躲避

躲避
聖經閱讀：創世記3:6-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月30日(四)

孩子喜歡玩捉迷藏的遊戲，有時候當鬼的人會找不到他的玩伴，這時他就會說：「不管你們在哪裡，都出來吧！」那些孩子就會離開他們躲藏的地方，然後繼續玩這個遊戲。 　今天我們讀的經文告訴我們，亞當和夏娃違背了上帝，所以他們做了什麼呢？他們企圖躲起來、不讓上帝看見。「那天黃昏，他們聽見主上帝在園子裏走，就跑到樹林中躲起來。但是主上帝呼喚那人：『你在哪裏？』他回答：『我聽見你在園子裏走，就很害怕，躲了起來；因為我赤身露體』」（第8-10節）。 　在玩遊戲的時候躲著朋友是很好玩的，但是企圖躲避上帝卻是愚蠢的行為。上帝知道亞當和夏娃躲在哪裡，他們只是不想面對上帝和自己的罪行。上帝是慈愛的，祂樂意赦免我們的罪。不要企圖躲避上帝，就請求祂帶你進入跟祂的一個合宜關係裡。 —PD 「狂傲人自言自語： 沒有上帝。他們都腐敗，做了可厭惡的事； 連一個行善的人也沒有。」 詩篇14:1 禱告：父神，我不想躲避不見祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (王熙瑤譯)

Hiding
Bible Reading: Genesis 3:6-13
Thursday, April 30, 2015

Children love to play a game of hide and seek. Sometimes the person who is searching cannot find their friends. So they say, “Come out wherever you are!” The children leave their hiding places and continue the game. 　Our Bible Reading today tells us that Adam and Eve disobeyed God. So what did they do? They tried to hide from God. “During the cool part of the day, the Lord God was walking in the garden. The man and the woman heard him, and they hid among the trees in the garden. The Lord God called to the man and said, ‘Where are you?' The man said, ‘I heard you walking in the garden, and I was afraid. I was naked, so I hid'” (verses 8-10). 　Hiding from friends while playing a game is fun. But trying to hide from God is foolish. God knew where Adam and Eve were. They just didn't want to face God and their sin. God is loving and willing to forgive our sin. Don't try to hide from Him. Ask Him to bring you into a right relationship with Him. —PD “Only fools think there is no God. People like that are evil and do terrible things. They never do what is right.” Psalm 14:1 PRAYER: Father, I don't want to hide from You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

禱告

禱告
聖經閱讀：哥林多後書12:1-10 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月29日(三)

許多人向上帝禱告祈求一些特別的東西，如果上帝沒有給他們想要的東西，他們就會對上帝生氣。 　我曾經聽過有人求一些奇怪的東西。有一個人禱告求一張百萬美元支票寄到他的信箱裡，還有一個人禱告一早醒來會看見一輛新車停在他的車道上。這些人會生氣上帝沒有照著他們想要的來回應他們的禱告。上帝並不是一部糖果販賣機，你把錢投進去就會得到你想要的棒棒糖。 　但是上帝是慈愛和寬容的，祂知道什麼是對我們最好的，而且祂會照著祂自己的心意來回應我們的禱告。在我們閱讀的經文中，保羅談到他禱告祈求上帝移除身上的一根「刺」，但是上帝並沒有移去保羅的刺，上帝反而賜給保羅夠用的恩典來幫助他處理這個問題。 　請記住上帝會回應你的禱告，祂的回應永遠是最好的。今天就倚靠上帝的回應。 —CE 「你只要有我的恩典就夠了；因為我的能力在你軟弱的時候顯得最剛強。」 哥林多後書12:9b 禱告：天父，謝謝祢回應我的禱告，我愛祢！奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (王熙瑤譯)

Prayers
Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Many people pray and ask God for special things. If God does not give them what they want, they become upset with Him. 　I have heard about people asking for strange things. One man prayed for a million dollar check to arrive in the mail. Another person prayed that he would wake up in the morning and find a new car in his driveway. These people were angry that God did not answer their prayers like they wanted. God is not like a candy machine where you put in money and receive the candy bar that you want. 　But God is loving and kind. He knows what is best for us, and He will answer our prayers according to His will. In our Bible Reading, Paul talks about praying and asking God to remove a “painful problem.” But God did not remove Paul’s problem. Instead, God gave Paul grace to help him cope with the problem. 　Remember that God will answer your prayers. His answers are always the best. Depend on God’s answers today. —CE “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.”2 Corinthians 12:9b PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my prayers. I love You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖經的奧祕 (10)

聖經的奧祕 (10)
聖經閱讀：啟示錄17:1-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月28日(二)

新約聖經的最後一個奧祕出現在啟示錄的第18章和第19章，就是所謂的「大巴比倫」奧祕（啟示錄17:5）。 　我們知道，舊約聖經中的巴比倫是一個統治大帝國的大城，而上帝的子民就在這個城裡被奴役了70年。巴比倫最後被摧毀了，而且再也沒有被重建（以賽亞書13:1-22）。 　在啟示錄約翰的異象中，他看見了另一個巴比倫，是以一個擁有權能統治許多國家的淫婦形象出現，這個巴比倫將與上帝的子民敵對並讓很多人被殺害。 　今天經文閱讀的第18節告訴我們，巴比倫將會成為一個擁有大權的大城市，但最後，這個城市會被消滅。當這個城市被毀滅時，世人會感到哀傷，但上帝的子民卻會歡喜快樂。 　這些經節警告上帝的子民不要跟惡人來往，而要跟隨上帝並且單單事奉祂！ —HLN 「羔羊要擊敗他們，因為他是萬主之主，萬王之王。他所選召、忠心隨從他的人也要得勝。」 啟示錄17:14b 禱告：親愛的主，我們願意服事祢，求祢在每天的生活中引導我們。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Bible Mysteries (10)
Bible Reading: Revelation 17:1-18
Tuesday, April 28, 2015

The New Testament's last mystery is in Revelation, chapters 18 and 19. It is the mystery of “The Great Babylon” (Revelation 17:5). 　We know Babylon in the Old Testament as a great city that ruled a world empire. God's people were in slavery there for 70 years. Babylon was finally destroyed, never to be rebuilt again (Isaiah 13:1-22). 　In John's vision in Revelation, he saw another Babylon in the form of a prostitute who would have power over many nations. This Babylon will be against God's people and cause many to be killed. 　Verse 18 of our Bible Reading tells us that this Babylon will be a great city that will have world power. But finally, this city will be destroyed. The people of the earth will be sad when the city is destroyed. But God's people will be happy. 　These verses warn God's people not to associate with evil people. Follow God and serve only Him! —HLN “...the Lamb will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. And with him will be his chosen and faithful followers — the people he has called to be his.” Revelation 17:14b PRAYER: Dear Lord, we want to serve You. Guide us every day of our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

聖經的奧祕 (9)

聖經的奧祕 (9)
聖經閱讀：提摩太前書3:16 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月27日(一)

大多數人都知道約翰福音3:16，但另外還有一個「3:16」也是值得背誦的經節，那就是提摩太前書3:16。這個經節也有一個新約聖經的奧祕。 　這個經節可能是初代教會的信徒傳唱的一首詩或歌，它包含了一些我們信仰中最大、最重要的一些事實，這些事實是關於耶穌、祂的出生、祂的事工、祂對世界的影響，以及祂最後的榮耀。這些事實都沒有在舊約聖經裡被顯明出來，但現在這些對我們的基督信仰卻是重要的。 　提摩太前書3:16也許有一點難以了解，但這是耶穌生命的總結，以及祂來到世上的目的。耶穌來世上受死、復活好讓所有人可以相信祂並與上帝永遠同住。今天就因著祂為你的生命所預備的美好計劃讚美上帝！ —HLN 「大家都宣認，我們信仰的奧祕是多麼的高深：他以人的形體顯現，由聖靈證明為義，被天使們看見。他被萬邦傳揚，被世人信仰，被接到天上。」 提摩太前書3:16 禱告：主，謝謝祢賜下祢的獨生子成為我們的救主。奉主的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Bible Mysteries (9)
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 3:16
Monday, April 27, 2015

Most of us know about John 3:16. But there is another “3:16” that is a good verse to memorize. It is 1 Timothy 3:16. That verse has another New Testament mystery or secret. 　This verse may have been a song or poem that the early church people repeated. It contains some of the greatest, most important truths of our faith. These truths are about Jesus, His birth, His ministry, His influence on the world and His final glory. They were not revealed in the Old Testament, but now they are important to our faith in Jesus. 　1 Timothy 3:16 may be a little hard to understand, but it is a summary of Jesus’ life and purpose on earth. Jesus came to die and rise again so that all people could believe in Him and live with God forever. Praise God today for His wonderful plan for your life! —HLN “Without a doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great: Christ was shown to us in human form; the Spirit proved that he was right; he was seen by angels. The message about him was told to the nations; people in the world believed in him; he was taken up to heaven in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 PRAYER: Thanks, Lord, that You gave us Your only Son to be our Savior. In His name. Amen.

聖經的奧祕 (8)

聖經的奧祕 (8)
聖經閱讀：帖撒羅尼迦後書2:3-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月26日(六)

並不是所有新約聖經裡的奧祕都是好消息，也有些奧祕告訴我們壞消息，但是我們仍然必須了解它們，為什麼呢？因為它們對我們的基督徒生活是一個威脅！ 　在帖撒羅尼迦後書第2章裡的奧祕就是一個壞消息，保羅在這裡談到一個「不法者」即將出現（第6節）。保羅說，當人們背離上帝時，他就會到來（第3節）；這不法者將會跟上帝敵對（第4節），而且也會帶著撒旦的能力來欺騙人（第9-10節）。但是到最後，這個不法者會被上帝消滅（第8節）。 　這個奧祕讓我們想起在馬太福音24:24中耶穌關於假先知的教導，以及在約翰一書2:18中，約翰所寫的「敵對基督者」。這是一個在舊約聖經中被隱藏的奧祕，但如今上帝已經顯明了這個事實。所以當這個「不法者」出現時，我們就可以跟從上帝並做出正確的決定。 —HLN 「那不法者要反對一切被人稱為神明或崇拜的對象，把自己高抬在一切之上；他甚至去坐在上帝的聖殿裏，自稱上帝。」 帖撒羅尼迦後書2:4 禱告：恩主，我願學習祢的真理好讓我不被蒙騙。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Bible Mysteries (8)
Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12
Sunday, April 26, 2015

Not all of the New Testament mysteries are about good news. Some tell us bad news, but we need to understand them. Why? Because they are a threat to our Christian life! 　The mystery in 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, is bad news. Here Paul tells about a “Man of Evil” who will appear (verse 6). Paul says he will come when people turn away from God (verse 3). This evil man will be against God (verse 4) and will have the power of the devil to deceive people (verses 9-10). But in the end, this evil man will be destroyed by God (verse 8). 　This mystery reminds us of Jesus' teaching about false teachers in Matthew 24:24 and John's writing about the “enemy of Christ” in 1 John 2:18. This was a hidden mystery in the Old Testament. But now God has shown us this truth. So when this “Man of Evil” appears, we can follow God and make right decisions. —HLN “He will stand against and put himself above everything that people worship or think is worthy of worship. He will even go into God's Temple and sit there, claiming that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4 PRAYER: Lord, I want to learn Your truth so I will not be deceived. In Jesus' name. Amen.

聖經的奧祕 (7)

聖經的奧祕 (7)
聖經閱讀：歌羅西書1:24-27 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月25日(六)

今天閱讀的經文跟我們談到另一個聖經的奧祕，保羅把這個奧祕分享給歌羅西的基督徒，「這奧祕是：基督在你們的生命裡」（第27b節）。 　我不記得在舊約聖經裡有任何經節跟我們談到上帝住在人的生命裡，上帝一般都被說成是尊貴而崇高的，不會住在人裡面。 　但是透過耶穌，我們可以知道祂住我們的生命裡──在我們心中、意念中，也在我們的生活中。耶穌從來不遠離我們，祂天天在我們裡面。 　當知道耶穌住在我們的生命裡時，我們就擁有與祂永遠同住的盼望，而且每過一天，這個盼望就更加真實。今天就因著耶穌還活著並住在你的裡面而讚美上帝！ —HLN 「就是他歷代以來向人類隱藏著的奧祕；這奧祕現在己經向他的子民顯明出來了。」 歌羅西書1:26 禱告：親愛的主，每一天的分分秒秒我都願牢記耶穌住在我裡面。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Bible Mysteries (7)
Bible Reading: Colossians 1:24-27
Saturday, April 25, 2015

Our Bible verses today tell us about another Bible mystery. Paul shared this mystery with the Christians in the city of Colossae. “That secret truth, which is for all people, is that Christ lives in you, his people” (verse 27b). 　I cannot think of any Old Testament verses that tell us that God lived in someone. God was generally spoken of as being exalted, lifted up and high, not living in someone. 　But through Jesus, we can know that He lives within us — in our hearts, our minds and our lives. Jesus is never far away. He is in us every day. 　When we know that Jesus lives in us, we have hope of living forever with Him. With every day that passes, that hope becomes more real. Praise God that Jesus is alive and lives within you today! —HLN “This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God’s holy people.” Colossians 1:26 PRAYER: Dear Lord, every minute of every day I want to remember that Jesus lives within me. In Jesus’ name. Amen

聖經的奧祕 (6)

聖經的奧祕 (6)
聖經閱讀：以弗所書5:21-33 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月24日(五)

在舊約聖經中，耶穌和教會的奧祕大都被隱藏，但在新約聖經中卻清楚地被顯明出來。在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅作了一個比喻，他把耶穌和教會的關係比喻作基督徒丈夫和妻子的關係。 　第25節經文告訴我們，耶穌愛教會並「為教會捨命」。這對我們是很棒的一課！我們也應該要愛上帝的教會，為什麼呢？因為透過耶穌的死並透過教會，我們才能夠重生並得到救贖。 　沒有教會，我們就不能夠被拯救。第23節告訴我們：「正如基督是教會－他的身體－的頭」，我們只有成為基督身體的一部份才能被拯救。 　世上的婚姻關係是一種很特殊的關係，然而我們跟基督的關係更為重要。這兩種關係都是上帝對我們今生和永生所訂計劃的一部份。 —HLN 「這經文啟示了極大的奧祕；我是指著基督和教會的關係說的。」 以弗所書5:32 禱告：天父，我願意永遠對耶穌忠心，祂是我的主、是教會的頭。奉主的名，阿們！ (江惠蓉譯)

Bible Mysteries (6)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33
Friday, April 24, 2015

The mystery about Jesus and the church is mostly hidden in the Old Testament. But it is clearly shown in the New Testament. In our Bible Reading today, Paul makes a comparison. He compares the relationship of Jesus and the church to the relationship between Christian husbands and wives. 　Verse 25 tells us that Jesus loved the church and “gave his life for it.” That is a great lesson for us! We, too, should love God’s church. Why? Because through Jesus’ death and the church we can have life and salvation. 　We cannot be saved without the church. Verse 23 tells us that “Christ is the Savior of the church, which is his body.” We can only be saved if we are part of the body of Jesus. 　The marriage relationship is a very special relationship on earth. But our relationship with Jesus is even more important. Both relationships are part of God’s plan for this life and for eternity. —HLN “That secret truth is very important — I am talking about Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:32 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to always be faithful to Jesus, Who is my Lord and the head of the church. In His name. Amen.

聖經的奧秘 (5)

聖經的奧秘 (5)
聖經閱讀：以弗所書3:3-6 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月23日(四)

正在閱讀這篇靈修文章的人絶大多數都是外邦人（非猶太人），而我也是一個外邦人。今天我們要來看的聖經奧祕是關於我們自己。在耶穌來到世上之前，這個奧祕並沒有被清楚地顯明，但現在「上帝藉著聖靈向他的聖使徒和先知啟示了」（第5b節）。 　這個奧祕就是外邦人和猶太人都擁有相同的應許和祝福。我們可以在上帝的教會裡彼此分享，而上帝對待猶太人和外邦人並沒有不同，我們「在基督耶穌的生命裡，都成為一體了」（加拉太書3:28）。 　上帝同時賜給猶太人和外邦人一位救主，就是耶穌基督。祂是到上帝那裡的唯一道路（約翰福音14:6），而且只有耶穌的名可以拯救我們（使徒行傳4:12）。當猶太人終於明白這個奧祕時，他們讚美上帝並向人分享耶穌的福音。 　今天就讚美上帝並去向人分享祂的信息。 －HLN 「…外邦人得以跟猶太人同享上帝的福澤。他們是同一身體的肢體，並且分享上帝藉著在基督耶穌裡實現了的應許。」 以弗所書3:6b 禱告：主啊，感謝祂預備了一個我可以永遠與祂同住的地方。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (林威妮譯)

Bible Mysteries (5)
Bible Reading: Ephesians 3:3-6
Thursday, April 23, 2015

Most of you who are reading this devotion right now are Gentiles (non-Jews). I am also a Gentile. Today we will look at a Bible mystery about us. This mystery was not revealed plainly before Jesus came to earth. But now “through the Spirit, God has made it known to his holy apostles and prophets” (verse 5b). 　This mystery is that both Gentiles and Jews have the same promises and blessings. We can share together in God’s church. And God does not make a difference between Jews and Gentiles. We are “all the same in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). 　God has given both Jews and Gentiles one Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the only way to God (John 14:6). And only Jesus’ name can save us (Acts 4:12). When the Jews finally learned about this mystery, they praised God and shared the Good News about Jesus with other people. 　Praise God and share His message with someone today. —HLN “...those who are not Jews will share with the Jews in the blessings God has for his people. They are part of the same body, and they share in the promise God made through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:6b PRAYER: Lord, thank You for making a place where I can live forever with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

聖經的奧秘 (4)

聖經的奧秘 (4)
聖經閱讀：哥林多前書15:51-57 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月22日(三)

在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅告訴我們一個關於身體的奧祕，以及在死後我們的身體會發生什麼事。在耶穌死去、埋葬，以及復活之前，人們並不知道在死後他們的身體會發生什麼事，但藉著保羅的話，我們可以更加了解這個奧祕。 　今天的經文告訴我們，基督徒的身體會復活並且會改變。這樣的事什麼時候會發生呢？「在最後的號角響的時候」（第52b節），還活著的基督徒和已經死去的基督徒都要經歷這樣的改變。 　這樣的改變會是一個奇妙的神蹟！想想所有已經去世的基督徒，他們的身體都已經化為地上的塵土，但上帝認識每一個人，祂會賜給我們一個新的、「不會死的」屬靈身體（第54b節）。 　我鼓勵你閱讀哥林多前書第15章的所有內容，然後感謝上帝賜下這個奇妙的奧祕！ －HLN 「但是，感謝上帝，他使我們藉著我們的主耶穌基督得勝了！」 哥林多前書15:57 禱告：天父，感謝祢藉著祢的兒子耶穌賜下救恩。奉主的名，阿們！ (林威妮譯)

Bible Mysteries (4)
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
Wednesday, April 22, 2015

In our Bible Reading today, Paul shows us a mystery about our bodies and what will happen to them after we die. Before Jesus died, was buried and rose again, people did not know what would happen to their bodies when they died. Because of Paul’s words, we can understand more about this mystery. 　Our Bible verses tell us that the bodies of Christian people will be raised and changed. When will this happen? “When the last trumpet blows” (verse 52b). Both Christians who are alive and Christians who have died will experience this change. 　This change will be a marvelous miracle! Think about all the Christians who have died. Their bodies have become the dust of the earth. But God knows each person, and He will give us a new spiritual body “which never dies” (verse 54b). 　I encourage you to read all of 1 Corinthians, chapter 15. Then thank God for this wonderful mystery! —HLN “But we thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” 1 Corinthians 15:57 PRAYER: Father, thank You for salvation through Your Son, Jesus. In His name. Amen.

聖經的奧秘 (3)

聖經的奧秘 (3)
聖經閱讀：羅馬書11:25-27 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年4月21日(二)

以色列人一直都是上帝計劃中的重要部分，上帝的兒子耶穌就出生在一個猶太家庭裡。在羅馬書第9章到第11章中發現了一個聖經的奧祕，這個奧祕就是上帝並未棄絕以色列，以色列民仍然會參與上帝對未來世界的計劃。 　在耶穌降生的很多年前，一些舊約的先知就已經知道了這個奧祕，而保羅在寫給羅馬基督徒的信中清楚地說明了這個真理。保羅說，大部分以色列人不會接受耶穌是上帝的兒子，而許多外邦人卻會接受祂，但在未來的某一天，以色列人將會回轉向耶穌，「到那時全部的以色列人終必得救」（第26a節）。 　很長一段時間，這個祕密被隱藏起來，但保羅在這些經節裡說明了一切。這應該能激勵我們去向每一個所遇見的人不斷地傳講耶穌的福音！ －HLN 「到那時全部的以色列人終必得救。正如聖經所說：『拯救者要從錫安出來；他要除掉雅各子孫的罪惡。』」 羅馬書11:26 禱告：親愛的主，今天我願去向人分享耶穌的福音。奉主的名，阿們！ (林威妮譯)

Bible Mysteries (3)
Bible Reading: Romans 11:25-27
Tuesday, April 21, 2015

The Israelite people have always been an important part of God's plan. God's Son, Jesus, was born into a Jewish family. One Bible mystery is found in Romans, chapters 9 through 11. This mystery is that God is not finished with Israel. The nation of Israel will still be part of God's future plans for the world. 　Some of the Old Testament prophets understood this mystery many years before Jesus was born on earth. But Paul clearly reveals this truth in his letter to the Christians in Rome. Paul says that most of Israel will not accept Jesus as God's Son, and many non-Jews will accept Him. But sometime in the future, Israel will turn to Jesus. That is “how all Israel will be saved” (verse 26a). 　For a long time, this mystery was hidden. But Paul explained it in these Bible verses. This should encourage us to keep preaching and teaching about Jesus to everyone we meet! —HLN “And that is how all Israel will be saved. The Scriptures say, ‘The Savior will come from Zion; he will take away all evil from the family of Jacob.'” Romans 11:26-27 PRAYER: Dear Lord, I want to share the Good News about Jesus with someone today. In His name. Amen.