耶穌捨己

耶穌捨己
聖經閱讀：哥林多後書8:1-9 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月30日(一)

在今天的經文中，保羅談到了捐助，好讓他的讀者可以更加明白捐助的意義。保羅談到耶穌給我們所有人的賞賜。 　第9節說：「你們已經知道我們的主耶穌基督的恩典：他本來是富足的，卻為了你們的緣故使自己成為貧窮，目的是要你們由於他的貧窮而成為富足。」當耶穌來到世上時，祂捨棄了在天堂上的榮華富貴，以一個軟弱無助的嬰孩形象降生。耶穌以人的形象活在世上。 　為什麼耶穌要這麼做呢？希伯來書4:15告訴我們：「我們的大祭司並不是不能同情我們的軟弱。相反地，我們的大祭司曾經像我們一樣在各方面經歷過試探，只是他沒有犯罪。」耶穌來到世上，好讓祂自己可以明白作為一個人會是什麼樣子。 　耶穌願意捨棄祂在天堂上的榮耀生活來到世上為我們受死，這是一件奇妙的事情。今天就讚美上帝賜下祂的兒子耶穌！ —RK* 「你們要以基督耶穌的心為心……他自願放棄一切，取了奴僕的本質。」 腓立比書2:5, 7a 禱告：上帝，因著耶穌願意來到世上為我受死，我感謝祢。奉主的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Jesus Gave
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Monday, June 30, 2014

Paul talks about giving in our Bible verses today. So that his readers would understand more about giving, Paul talked about what Jesus gave to all of us. 　Verse 9 says, “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that he gave up his heavenly riches for you. He gave up everything so that you could be richly blessed.” When Jesus came to earth, He gave up all the riches and beauty of heaven. He came as a weak and helpless baby. Jesus lived as a human on earth. 　Why did Jesus do this? Hebrews 4:15 tells us “Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned.” Jesus came to earth so that He could understand what it is like to be a human. 　It is wonderful that Jesus was willing to give up His glorious life in heaven and come to earth to die for us. Praise God today for His Son, Jesus! —RK* “In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought...he gave up everything, even his place with God.” Philippians 2:5,7a PRAYER: God, thank You that Jesus was willing to come to earth and die for me. In His name. Amen.

受苦

受苦
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳14:21-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月29日(日)

今天我們讀到保羅和巴拿巴回到幾間他們以前曾經拜訪過的教會，為什麼呢？因為「他們到處堅固門徒的心，鼓勵他們堅守信仰」（第14:22a節）。 　保羅和巴拿巴還告訴這些人，他們為上帝的國度將會遭受苦難。有時候，人們會以為成為基督徒之後，就會事事順利，不會再遇到苦難，但如果我們真的跟隨耶穌，我們是會遭遇苦難和迫害的。 　做沙拉時，我不會只將生菜丟到碗裡就吃它，我會加其他蔬菜和佐料讓沙拉更好吃。我們的信心也是如此，它建立在我們所面對的苦難，以及快樂的事情上。 　當你在基督徒的生活中受苦時請不要驚訝，就使用這些日子來讓你的信心更加剛強。 —SH* 「誰能夠使我們跟基督的愛隔絕呢？是患難嗎？困苦嗎？迫害嗎？……在這一切事情上面，我們靠著愛我們的主已經獲得完全的勝利！」 羅馬書8:35, 37 禱告：天父，我信靠祢，懇求祢賜給我力量來面對苦難的日子。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (李信儀譯)

Suffering
Bible Reading: Acts 14:21-28
Sunday, June 29, 2014

Today we read that Paul and Barnabas went back to several churches they had visited before. Why? “In those cities they helped the followers grow stronger in their faith and encouraged them to continue trusting God” (verse 22a). 　Paul and Barnabas also told these people that they would face suffering for God’s kingdom. Sometimes people think that when they become a Christian, everything will be fine and they will not face hard times. But if we are truly following Jesus, we will face suffering and persecution. 　When I make a salad, I don’t just throw lettuce in the bowl and eat it. I add other vegetables and things that make a good salad. Our faith is like that. It is built on the suffering we face as well as the good times. 　Don’t be surprised when you experience suffering in your Christian life. Use those times to make your faith grow stronger. —SH* “Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love?...But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us.” Romans 8:35, 37 PRAYER: Father, I trust You. Give me strength to face hard times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

記得

記得
聖經閱讀：希伯來書13:1-9 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月28日(六)

在今天的經文中，作者列舉了蒙上帝喜悅的事情──彼此相愛、幫助人、尊榮婚姻和遠離罪惡。 　第7節經文還提到其他蒙上帝喜悅的事：「你們要記念從前帶領你們、向你們傳上帝信息的人。回想他們生前怎樣生活，怎樣死；要效法他們的信心。」在讀這節經文時，我想起一位名叫艾達的女士。我在猶他州鹽湖城遇見她，當時沒有家人在我身邊，所以艾達就成為我的屬靈母親。她曾經告訴我，她和她的先生曾經贏得一項曲目是「田納西華爾滋」的跳舞比賽。直到今天，每當我聽到這首歌時，就會想到艾達，也會回想起她的信心以及她對我作的見證。 　對我們來說，記得某些典範人物來幫助我們在基督裡成長是很好的。今天就花點時間來思想曾經幫助過你的基督徒，然後感謝上帝賜下這些人！—JL* 「可是要以謙恭溫和的態度回答。要有清白的良心，讓那些侮辱你們、對你們作為基督徒所表現的好品行妄加毀謗的人，自己覺得慚愧。」 彼得前書3:16 禱告：天父，謝謝祢賜下曾經幫助我更加親近祢的人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (李信儀譯)

Remember
Bible Reading: Hebrews 13:1-9
Saturday, June 28, 2014

In our Bible Reading today, the writer lists things that please God — loving each other, helping people, honoring marriage and keeping away from sin. 　In verse 7 there is something else that pleases God. “Remember your leaders. They taught God’s message to you. Remember how they lived and died, and copy their faith.” When I read this verse, I think about a woman named Ida. I met her in Salt Lake City, Utah. I had no family near me, so Ida became my spiritual mother. She used to tell me about the time when she and her husband won a contest, dancing to the song, “The Tennessee Waltz.” Today when I hear that song, I think about Ida and remember her faith and testimony to me. 　It is good for us to remember people who have been examples for us and helped us grow in Christ. Take time today to think about Christians who have helped you. Then thank God for these people! —JL* “But answer them in a gentle way with respect. Keep your conscience clear. Then people will see the good way you live as followers of Christ.”1 Peter 3:16a PRAYER: Father, thank You for people who have helped me grow closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

舊約聖經

舊約聖經
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳13:13-41 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月27日(五)

今天大部分的經文是保羅對安提阿城的人們所說的話。 　在這個講道的信息中，保羅談到以色列民從埃及遷移到迦南的事情。他也談到一些舊約聖經中的人物──撒母耳、掃羅和大衛王。保羅將這些事情分享給那裡的人，然後跟他們傳講耶穌。 　我們可以讀新約聖經來認識耶穌和祂的救贖計劃，但是當同時閱讀舊約聖經時，我們得知它是新約聖經的根基。研讀舊約聖經中的預言幫助我們更加認識耶穌和祂在十字架上的犧牲。 　有些人只讀新約聖經，但是我要鼓勵你也研讀舊約聖經。去向人分享舊約聖經裡的故事，好讓他們可以知道上帝為他們的生命所預備的美好計劃。—SH* 「我們現在把這福音傳給你們：藉著耶穌的復活，上帝應許要為我們祖先成就的，已經向我們作子孫的實現了。」 使徒行傳13:32-33 禱告：天父，謝謝祢為我們賜下祢的美好信息。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

The Old Testament
Bible Reading: Acts 13:13-41
Friday, June 27, 2014

Most of our Bible verses today are words that Paul spoke to people in the city of Antioch. 　In this sermon, Paul talked about the Israelites traveling from Egypt to Canaan. He also talked about people from the Old Testament — Samuel, Saul and King David. Paul shared these things with the people and then told them about Jesus. 　We can read the New Testament and learn about Jesus and His plan of salvation. But when we read and study the Old Testament, too, we learn that it is the foundation for the New Testament. Reading the prophecies in the Old Testament helps us know more about Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. 　Some people only read the New Testament. But I encourage you to read and study the Old Testament, too. Share the Old Testament stories with others so that they can learn about God’s wonderful plan for their lives. —SH* “We tell you the Good News about the promise God made to our ancestors. We are their descendants, and God has made this promise come true for us. God did this by raising Jesus from death.” Acts 13:32-33 PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your wonderful message for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

信靠主

信靠主
聖經閱讀：以賽亞書40:28-31 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月26日(四)

彼得馬歇爾是個有名的佈道家，在他過世的時候，他的妻子凱撒琳感到十分悲傷和壓力沉重。 　當凱撒琳努力走出悲傷時，她終於明白上帝正在告訴她要長大並更加成熟。之後，當她回顧這段憂傷的日子時，她說上帝已經「帶走了她的悲傷和破碎的希望，並且將它們轉變成令人驚奇的美好。」 　只要我們還活在世上，總會有些事情讓我們悲傷和擔憂──死亡、貧窮、疾病或是戰爭。但是，我們必須記得上帝在我們的生命中有一個計畫，而且祂可以從艱難的時刻中為我們帶來美好的事物。 　我們必須持續不斷信靠上帝走過艱難的時刻。今天經文的第31節說：「但是倚靠上主的人，充沛的精力源源不絕。他們會像老鷹一樣張開翅膀；他們奔跑不疲乏；他們行走不困倦。」 　無論今天你遇到什麼事情，要持續不斷地信靠上帝，祂會永遠與你同在。 —VNW 「他賜力量給疲乏的人；他賜力氣給困倦的人。」 以賽亞書40:29 禱告：上帝，我願持續不斷信靠祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (李信儀譯)

Trust in the Lord
Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31
Thursday, June 26, 2014

Peter Marshall was a famous preacher. When he died, his wife, Catherine, was overcome with grief and stress. 　As Catherine tried to work through this grief, she realized that God was telling her to grow up and become more mature. Later, as she looked back over this time of grief, she said that God had taken her “grief and smashed hope and turned them into astonishing good.” 　As long as we live on earth, there will always be things that cause us grief and worry — death, poverty, sickness or war. But we need to remember that God has a plan for our lives and that He can bring good things from our bad times. 　We need to keep trusting God through these bad times. Verse 31 of our Bible Reading says, “But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again — like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired.” 　No matter what you are facing today, keep on trusting God. He will always be with you. —VNW “[God] helps tired people be strong. He gives power to those without it.” Isaiah 40:29 PRAYER: God, I want to keep trusting You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

牛排晚餐

牛排晚餐
聖經閱讀：希伯來書5:11-14 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月25日(三)

最近我們教會辦了一個牛排晚餐，我們享用了烤牛排、烤馬鈴薯、沙拉、肉捲和點心。這些東西真好吃！牛排是很昂貴的食物，所以有這樣的晚餐真是難得的享受。 　我喜歡吃牛排，但是如果我的醫生告訴我只能吃較軟的東西，並且只能像小孩一樣喝牛奶，這對我來說就會是一個問題。我會想念很多我喜愛吃的東西。 　今天的經文談到停止長成的基督徒。作者在第12節說：「你們早就應該為人師表了，可是你們竟還需要別人用上帝信息的第一課來教你們。你們還需要吃奶，不能吃乾飯。」 　身為基督徒，我們必須不斷學習和成長。我們必須研讀聖經、跟基督徒團契交通，並且跟其他人分享上帝的信息，這樣我們就會成長為剛強而且成熟的基督徒。我希望今天你仍然繼續成長！ －PD 「另一方面說，只有成年人才吃乾飯。他們已經有了豐富的經驗，能辨別好壞。」 希伯來書5:14 禱告：天父，我願每一天都學習和成長。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (呂心愉譯)

Steak Supper
Bible Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14
Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Recently our church had a steak supper. We enjoyed grilled steak, baked potatoes, salad, hot rolls and desserts. The food tasted so good! Steak is expensive, so it was a real treat to have this kind of meal. 　I like to eat steak. So it would be a problem if my doctor told me that I could only eat soft foods and drink milk like a baby. I would miss many foods that I love and enjoy. 　Our Bible verses today talk about Christians who were not growing. The writer says in verse 12, “You have had enough time that by now you should be teachers. But you need someone to teach you again the first lessons of God’s teaching. You still need the teaching that is like milk. You are not ready for solid food.” 　As Christians, we need to always be growing and learning. We need to study the Bible, fellowship with Christians and share God’s message with others. Then we will grow and become strong and mature Christians. I hope you are growing today! —PD “But solid food is for people who have grown up. From their experience they have learned to see the difference between good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14 PRAYER: Father, I want to learn and grow every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

蒙應允的禱告

蒙應允的禱告
聖經閱讀：詩篇65:1-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月24日(二)

我兒子的手臂出了一個問題，所以我帶他去看醫生。醫生說我兒子必須做一些醫學檢查。 　我帶兒子到醫院去做檢查，我知道有些檢查會很痛，所以我很擔心我兒子。坐在醫院裡等候是一件困難的事情，當我在裡面的時候，我總是不停地禱告。最後，兒子完成了所有的檢驗，他告訴我檢查的過程很痛苦，但是檢查結果顯示他的手臂不用開刀。 　今天的經文中，作者為許多事情讚美上帝，其中一件是蒙應允的禱告。第2節說：「因為你垂聽祈求。人因犯罪都要來尋求你。」上帝垂聽我的禱告並且照顧我兒子。 　今天你有擔憂的事嗎？你是否擔心著某個生病的人呢？就將你的憂慮交託給上帝，祂總是會回應你的禱告，並且為你成就那最美好的事！ －BH 「你垂聽了我們，給我們勝利；你用奇異的作為拯救我們。世上萬民和天涯海角的人都信靠你。」 詩篇65:5 禱告：上帝，我知道祢總是垂聽我的禱告並且回應禱告。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Answered Prayer
Bible Reading: Psalm 65:1-13
Tuesday, June 24, 2014

My son had a problem with his arm, so I took him to the doctor. The doctor said that my son needed to have some medical tests. 　I took my son to the hospital for the tests. I knew that some of the tests would be painful, so I was very concerned about my son. It was difficult to sit in the room and wait. I prayed all the time I was there. Finally my son was finished with the tests. He told me that it had been painful, but the tests showed that he would not need surgery on his arm. 　In our Bible verses today, the writer praised God for many things. One thing was answered prayer. Verse 2 says, “Anyone can come to you, and you will listen to their prayers.” God heard my prayer and took care of my son. 　Are you worried about something today? Are you concerned about someone who is sick? Give your worries to God. He will always answer your prayers and do what is best for you! —BH “God, you answer our prayers and do what is right. You do amazing things to save us. People all over the world know they can trust in you.” Psalm 65:5a PRAYER: God, I know You always hear my prayers and answer them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

律法或恩典?

律法或恩典?
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳11:4-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月23日(一)

在耶穌死去之前，猶太人生活在上帝的律法之下，是上帝的律法拯救了他們。但是在耶穌死去又復活之後，上帝有了新的計畫，這個新的計畫就是人要藉著上帝的恩典得救，而不是藉著遵守律法。 　起初，一些猶太基督徒難以理解靠上帝恩典得救的意義。同樣的，他們也難以了解上帝的計畫是針對所有人，而不是只針對猶太人。在今天的經文中，有些猶太基督徒不明白為什麼彼得可以對不遵從猶太律法的外邦人傳講耶穌的福音。在這些經節中，彼得解釋上帝是如何向他顯明救恩是要賜給所有的人。 　有時候我們會像這些猶太基督徒一樣，忘記了上帝的救恩，而認為只有遵守戒律才能贏得救恩。但是我們必須記得，我們得救是藉著耶穌在十字架上的犧牲而來的恩典。今天就讚美上帝賜下這美好的救恩禮物！ －SH* 「上帝把因悔改而得生命的機會也賜給外邦人了！」 使徒行傳11:18b 禱告：親愛的上帝，感謝?藉著?的恩典拯救了我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Law or Grace?
Bible Reading: Acts 11:4-18
Monday, June 23, 2014

Before Jesus died, the Jews lived under God’s law. It was God’s law that saved them. But after Jesus’ death and resurrection, God had a new plan. This new plan was that people are saved by God’s grace, not by obeying laws. 　At first, it was hard for some Jewish Christians to understand being saved by God’s grace. It was also hard for them to know that God’s plan was for all people, not just for the Jews. In our Bible Reading today, some Jewish Christians did not understand how Peter could preach the Good News about Jesus to people who were not Jews and did not obey the Jewish laws. In these verses, Peter explained how God showed him that salvation was for all people. 　Sometimes we can be like these Jewish Christians. We forget about God’s grace and think that we must obey rules to earn our salvation. But we need to remember that we are saved by God’s grace through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Praise God today for this wonderful gift of salvation! —SH* “God is also allowing even those who are not Jews to change their hearts so that they can have the life he gives!” Acts 11:18b PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for saving me through Your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

平衡

平衡
聖經閱讀：約翰一書4:7-16 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月22日(日)

小孩總是喜歡遊樂場，他們在那裡盪鞦韆、溜滑梯、爬上爬下以及玩球。小時候，我最愛玩蹺蹺板，有時候我高高坐在空中，有時候我的腳會踩進土裡。當兩個小孩的重量在翹翹板兩邊達到平衡時，翹翹板就會是平的，他們就可以眼對眼平視對方。 　我們必須對上帝有全面的認識。首先，我們必須明白祂愛我們。經文第16a節說：「所以，我們知道，並且相信上帝愛我們。上帝是愛。」其次，我們也必須明白上帝厭惡我們的罪。但好消息是，上帝差派了耶穌來世上為我們受死，藉著耶穌的死，我們的罪可以得赦免。 　上帝對我們的救贖有一個奇妙的計畫，當耶穌死在十字架上時，祂就成就了這事。我們的回應就是去跟隨並順服耶穌，並將我們的生命獻給祂。 －PD 「這樣，愛就藉著我們完全實現了，使我們在審判的日子能夠坦然無懼；我們確能這樣，因為我們在這世上有跟基督一樣的生命。」 約翰一書4:17 禱告：上帝，感謝祢赦免我的罪。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Balance
Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-16
Sunday, June 22, 2014

Children always enjoy playgrounds. They swing, slide, climb and play ball. When I was a child, my favorite was the teeter-totter. Sometimes I sat high up in the air; at other times, my feet dug into the ground. When two children balance their weight on a teeter-totter, the board is level and they can see each other eye-to-eye. 　We need to have balance in what we know about God. First, we need to understand that He loves us. Verse 16a of our Bible Reading says, “So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love.” Second, we also need to understand that God hates our sin. But the good news is that God sent Jesus to earth to die. Through Jesus’ death, we can have our sins forgiven. 　God has a wonderful plan for our salvation. Jesus did the work when He died on the cross. Our response is to follow and obey Jesus and give our lives to Him. —PD “If God’s love is made perfect in us, we can be without fear on that day when God judges the world. We will be without fear, because in this world we are like Jesus.” 1 John 4:17 PRAYER: God, thank You for forgiving my sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

成為宣教士

成為宣教士
聖經閱讀：使徒行傳11:19-24 現代中譯本|合和本
2014年6月21日(六)

我的孫子是一名宣教士，他想要向人傳講耶穌，所以他就去了肯亞。之後我孫子聽到利比亞人需要認識耶穌，所以他就去到那裏。現在他在利比亞幫忙建立一間教會。 　在耶穌升天之前，祂吩咐門徒去世界各地傳講上帝救恩計畫的福音。今天的經文告訴我們，有些耶穌的門徒遭受迫害，所以他們就搬到其他地方，然後這些門徒就成為新城市的宣教士。 　在耶路撒冷的教會聽到在安提阿有新的信徒時，他們就差派巴拿巴去幫助他們。巴拿巴勸勉那裡的人，「要大家專心一意地信靠主」（第23b節）。 　我的孫子和巴拿巴去不同的地方向人傳講耶穌，你也可以成為一名宣教士──就在你所住的地方。今天就去向人傳講耶穌吧！ －DJH* 「傳福音的人，他們的腳蹤多麼佳美！」 羅馬書10:15b 禱告：天父，求祢幫助我今天去向人傳講耶穌。奉主的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Be a Missionary
Bible Reading: Acts 11:19-24
Saturday, June 21, 2014

My grandson is a missionary. He wanted to tell people about Jesus, so he went to Kenya. Then my grandson heard that people in Liberia needed to know about Jesus, so he went there. He is now helping start a church in Liberia. 　Before Jesus went back to heaven, He told His followers to go everywhere in the world and tell them the Good News about God’s plan of salvation. Our Bible Reading today tells us that some of Jesus’ followers were being persecuted. So they moved to other places. Then these followers became missionaries in new cities. 　When the church in Jerusalem heard that there were new believers in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to help them. Barnabas encouraged the people by saying, “Always be faithful to the Lord. Serve him with all your heart” (verse 23b). 　My grandson and Barnabas went to different places to tell people about Jesus. You can be a missionary, too — right where you live. Tell someone about Jesus today! —DJH* “How wonderful it is to see someone coming to tell good news!” Romans 10:15b PRAYER: Father, help me to tell someone about Jesus today. In His name. Amen.