炎熱的天氣

炎熱的天氣
聖經閱讀：但以理書3:1-30 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月30日(二)

在愛荷華這裡現在是夏天，今天和接下來的幾天，我們要來看一些愛荷華州的人在夏天會經歷的事情。每年夏天我們一定會有的一件事就是炎熱的天氣，常常會有好幾週的時間這裡的氣溫會高達華氐90度（攝氏32度）或更熱。 　在今天閱讀的經文中，我們知道有三個人經歷了高溫的狀況！沙得拉、米沙和亞伯尼歌敬愛上帝、遵從上帝，尼布甲尼撒王造了一座金像，而且命令所有人要俯伏敬拜這座偶像，但是沙得拉、米沙和亞伯尼歌拒絕向金像下拜，於是國王就將他們仍進熱火窯裡。那座火窯是這麼的炙熱，以致於「從窯裏冒出的火燄竟把執行命令的兵士燒死了」（第22節），但是上帝將沙得拉、米沙和亞伯尼歌從火窯中救了出來。 　上帝保護了沙得拉、米沙和亞伯尼歌，祂也會保護你。今天就遵從上帝的話語並服事祂。 －JK 「他們寧願冒生命的危險違抗我的命令，也不肯俯伏拜任何神明；他們專一敬拜他們的上帝。」 但以理書 3:28b 禱告：上帝，感謝祢總是保護我，求祢幫助我親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Hot Weather
Bible Reading: Daniel 3:1-30
Tuesday, June 30, 2015

It is summer here in Iowa. Today and for the next few days we will look at some things that Iowans experience during summer. One thing that we have every summer is hot weather. We usually have several weeks when the temperatures are 90 degrees and higher. 　In our Bible Reading today, we learn about three men who experienced some very hot temperatures! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego loved and obeyed God. The king of Babylon made a golden idol and commanded that everyone bow down to the idol. But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow to the idol. So the king threw them into a hot furnace. This furnace was so hot that it “killed the strong soldiers…when they went close to the fire” (verse 22). But God saved Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the furnace. 　God protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He will protect you, too. Obey God’s Word and serve Him today. —JK “These three men trusted their God and refused to obey my command. They were willing to die instead of serving or worshiping any other god.” Daniel 3:28b PRAYER: God, thank You for always protecting me. Help me stay close to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

取悅上帝

取悅上帝
聖經閱讀：帖撒羅尼迦前書4:1-12 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月29日(一)

在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅寫信給帖撒羅尼迦的基督徒。過去，那些人深受希臘宗教和哲學的影響，保羅想要確認那些人是否仍然跟從上帝。 　在今天的經節裡，保羅鼓勵那些基督徒過一個取悅上帝的生活。保羅告訴他們要用能尊榮上帝的方式來使用自己的身體，不可欺騙人，而要活在平安中，並且要自力更生。如果他們這麼做，保羅說：「好使你們得到非信徒的尊敬，也用不倚賴別人的供給」（第12b節）。 　有時候我在行善時，其他人會批評我，或是說我的壞話，但是我必須記得做有益的事，並過一個讓人看見上帝在我生命中動工的生活。 　今天上帝希望你聖潔，請在你做的每一件事上取悅上帝。 －DB* 「至於聖靈所結的果子，就是：博愛、喜樂、和平、忍耐、仁慈、良善、忠信、溫柔、節制。這些事是沒有任何法律會加以禁止的。」 加拉太書5:22-23 禱告：上帝，我願去做那些可以取悅祢、尊榮祢的事。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Pleasing God
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Monday, June 29, 2015

In our Bible Reading, Paul was writing to Christians in the city of Thessalonica. In the past, these people had been influenced by the Greek religion and philosophy. Paul wanted to be sure that these people continued to follow God. 　In our verses, Paul encouraged these Christians to live a life that pleased God. Paul told them to use their bodies in ways that honored God, to not cheat people, to live in peace and to earn their own living. If they did these things, Paul said that “those who are not believers will respect the way you live” (verse 12b). 　Sometimes when I am doing something good, other people will criticize me or say bad things about me. But I need to remember to do good and live so other people will see God at work in my life. 　God wants you to be holy today. Please God in everything you do. —DB* “But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.” Galatians 5:22-23 PRAYER: God, I want to do things that please and honor You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

害怕

害怕
聖經閱讀：馬太福音8:23-27 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月28日(日)

去年，我曾經感到非常害怕，我害怕是因為我跟室友和一些朋友去看了一部很恐怖的電影。電影結束後我就上床睡覺了，但是我卻夢見那場恐怖的電影。當醒來的時候，我仍然感到害怕，每一次閉上雙眼時，我就想起那部電影的片段。 　自從那一次以後，我想了想自己的恐懼經驗，或許我不應該去看那一場電影，但可以確定的是，當感到害怕時，我應該回轉向上帝來平靜自己並幫助自己不要害怕。 　在今天閱讀的經文中，耶穌和祂的門徒正在湖上的一艘船上，有一場暴風雨來襲，浪濤掩蓋了船身，耶穌的門徒感到很害怕，但耶穌說：「為甚麼這樣害怕？你們的信心太小了！」（第26節）然後耶穌平息了那場暴風雨。 　或許今天你會感到害怕，請記住上帝與你同在，就讓祂來安慰你並賜給你祂的平安。 －CP 「因為，上帝所賜給我們的靈不使我們膽怯；相反地，他的靈會使我們充滿力量、愛心，和自制。」 提摩太後書1:7 禱告：天父，當我害怕的時候，求祢幫助我記得祢與我同在。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Afraid
Bible Reading: Matthew 8:23-27
Sunday, June 28, 2015

Last year, I was very afraid. I was afraid because I watched a very scary movie with my roommate and some friends. After the movie was finished, I went to bed. But I dreamed about the scary movie. When I woke up, I was still afraid. Every time I closed my eyes, I remembered parts of the movie. 　Since that time, I have thought about my experience with fear. I probably should not have watched that movie. But for sure, when I became afraid, I should have turned to God to calm me and help me not be afraid. 　In our Bible Reading today, Jesus and His disciples were in a boat on the lake. A storm came up and the waves covered the boat. Jesus’ disciples became very afraid. Jesus said, “Why are you afraid? You don’t have enough faith” (verse 26). Then Jesus calmed the wind and the storm. 　Maybe you will be afraid today. Remember that God is with you. Let Him comfort you and give you His peace. —CP “The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirt is a source of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 PRAYER: Father, when I am afraid, please help me remember You are with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

唯一的道路

唯一的道路
聖經閱讀：約翰福音14:1-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月27日(六)

我的先生和我都退休了，所以我們花很多時間旅行、探索新地方。在旅行的時候，我們沒有使用地圖而使用手機的GPS（全球定位系統），GPS會向我們顯示到達目的地的各種路線。 　也許你在生活中迷失了方向，你不知道該怎麼辦才好。你應該試試另一種GPS──上帝的救恩計畫！但是這跟我手機的GPS不一樣，上帝的救恩計畫讓我們看見通往上帝的道路只有一條，這條道路就是藉著祂的兒子耶穌。 　在今天閱讀的經文裡，多馬問耶穌他怎麼會知道通往上帝的道路呢？耶穌回答說：「我就是道路、真理、生命；要不是藉著我，沒有人能到父親那裡去」（第6節）。 　通往上帝的唯一道路就是跟隨並遵從耶穌。祂為你死在十字架上，今天就信靠祂來赦免你、引導你。 －SAH 「上帝不惜犧牲基督，以他為贖罪祭，藉他的死，使人由於信他而蒙赦罪。上帝這樣做是要顯明自己的公義。」 羅馬書3:25 禱告：上帝，感謝祢向我顯明通往祢的道路。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

The Only Way
Bible Reading: John 14:1-8
Saturday, June 27, 2015

My husband and I are retired. So we spend a lot of time traveling and exploring new places. When we are traveling, we don’t use maps. We use the GPS (Global Positioning System) on our cell phones. The GPS shows us different ways to get where we want to go. 　Maybe you have lost your way in life and you don’t know what you should do. You should try another GPS — God’s Plan of Salvation! But this is different than the GPS on my cell phone. God’s Plan of Salvation shows us that there is only one way to God. That way is through His Son, Jesus. 　In our Bible verses, Thomas asked Jesus how he could know the way to God. Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me” (verse 6). 　The only way to God is to follow and obey Jesus. He died on the cross for you. Trust Him today to forgive you and lead you. —SAH “God gave Jesus as a way to forgive people’s sins through their faith in him. God can forgive them because the blood sacrifice of Jesus pays for their sins.” Romans 3:25 PRAYER: God, thank You for showing me the way to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

禱告的力量

禱告的力量
聖經閱讀：尼希米記6:1-14 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月26日(五)

因為我在基督徒生活中學習成長，我知道禱告是非常有力量的一件事，今天出自尼希米記的經文跟我們談到禱告的力量。 　尼希米那時在幫猶太人建造耶路撒冷的城牆，但是有一些人不希望看到城牆完工，這些人就去散播謠言讓大家害怕而停工，所以尼希米向上帝禱告說：「上帝啊，求你使我堅強！」（第9b節）上帝回應尼希米的禱告，讓他安全、不受敵人的攻擊，上帝也幫助猶太人在52天後完成城牆的重建！ 　有幾次我感到害怕或不確定應該怎麼辦，這時就是我禱告請求上帝與我同在、幫助我的時候。今天就向上帝禱告──祂會留心聆聽你的禱告！ －JA* 「我們周圍鄰國那些敵人聽到了，覺得很丟臉；因為每個人都知道，這工程的完成是由於上帝的幫助。」 尼希米記6:16 禱告：天父，感謝祢總是留心聽我的禱告。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

The Power of Prayer
Bible Reading: Nehemiah 6:1-14
Friday, June 26, 2015

As I have grown in my Christian life, I have realized that prayer is very powerful. Our Bible verses today from the book of Nehemiah tell us about the power of prayer. 　Nehemiah was helping the Jews rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. But there were some men who did not want the walls completed. These men spread rumors so that the people would become scared and stop working on the walls. So Nehemiah prayed to God, “God, make me strong” (verse 9b). God answered Nehemiah’s prayer. He kept him safe from his enemies. God also helped the Jews finish rebuilding the walls in 52 days! 　There are times when I am afraid or unsure of what I should do. That’s when I pray and ask God to be with me and help me. Pray to God today — He will pay attention to your prayer! —JA* “Then all our enemies heard that we had completed the wall, and all the nations around us saw that it was finished. So they lost their courage, because they understood that this work had been done with the help of our God.” Nehemiah 6:16 PRAYER: Father, thank You for always paying attention to my prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

心滿意足

心滿意足
聖經閱讀：提摩太前書6:6-11 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月25日(四)

很多人對自己所擁有的並不滿意，有時候我們會認為，除非擁有更多的金錢或物質，否則我們不會感到滿足。電視上的廣告希望我們在買了他們的產品後才感到心滿意足。 　 希望得到滿足的人常常以為金錢和財物會讓他們快樂，但是在花光所有錢財後，他們仍然不快樂。在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅提醒我們認識在世上的生命：「我們到這世界，沒有帶來甚麼；我們又能從這世界帶走甚麼呢？」（第7節）我們必須留意保羅的話，當我們從金錢和物質中尋求滿足時，只是在浪費時間。 　能真正滿足我們唯一的一件事就是，認識耶穌作為我們生命的主和救主，並且天天服事祂。上帝愛我們並且希望我們信靠祂來滿足自己。請從上帝的話語中尋求快樂和滿足，上帝的話語永遠不會讓你失望！ －PD 「你們要先追求上帝主權的實現，遵行他的旨意，他就會把這一切都供給你們。」 馬太福音6:33 禱告：天父，求祢赦免我並且幫助我對祢心滿意足。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Being Satisfied
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Thursday, June 25, 2015

Many people today are not happy with what they have. Sometimes we think we cannot be satisfied unless we have more money or things. Advertisers on TV want us to think that we will not be content until we buy their products. 　People who want to be satisfied often think that money and possessions will make them happy. When their money is gone, they still are not happy. In our Bible Reading, Paul reminds us about our lives here on earth. “When we came into the world, we brought nothing. And when we die, we can take nothing out” (verse 7). We need to pay attention to Paul’s words. When we look for satisfaction in money and things, we are wasting our time. 　The only thing that can truly satisfy us is to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior and serve Him every day. God loves us and wants us to trust Him to satisfy us. Look for happiness and satisfaction in God’s Word. It will never fail you! —PD “What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:33 PRAYER: Father, forgive me and help me to be satisfied with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

心存感恩

心存感恩
聖經閱讀：帖撒羅尼迦前書5:16-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月24日(三)

我想要跟你分享我的生命故事。在我年輕的時候，我認識了耶穌並開始跟隨祂，但跟從耶穌是一件困難的事，因為魔鬼總是攔阻我。我持續禱告請求上帝向我顯明祂希望我做的事。 　之後我來到聽障事工的訓練中心受訓，我好感謝支持我、幫助我親近上帝的主內弟兄姊妹。當我在訓練中心的時候，我決定要用特別的方式服事上帝。 　我完成了在聽障事工的訓練，目前在聽障青少年探索全職工作。我繼續依靠上帝來照顧自己，每一天我都背誦腓立比書4:6：「你們應該一無掛慮；要在禱告中把你們所需要的告訴上帝，用感謝的心祈求。」 　今天閱讀的經文提醒我們，上帝希望我們永遠心存感恩。今天就感謝祂為你所成就的一切！ －JR* 「上帝以仁慈待子民，要讚美上主！要感謝上主，因他至善；他的慈愛永遠長存。」 詩篇106:1 禱告：天父，我愛祢，感謝祢所賜下的一切。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (陳萍萍譯)

Be Thankful
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Wednesday, June 24, 2015

I want to tell you about my life. When I was young, I learned about Jesus and started following Him. But it was hard to follow Jesus because the devil was always bothering me. I continued to pray and ask God to show me what He wanted me to do. 　Then I was able to come to the Deaf Missions Training Center. I am so thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ who supported me and helped me to stay close to God. When I was at the Training Center, I decided that I wanted to serve God in a special way. 　I completed my training at Deaf Missions, and I am now working full-time with Deaf Teen Quest. I continue to depend on God to take care of me. Every day I remember Philippians 4:6. “Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need.” 　Our Bible Reading today reminds us that God wants us to always be thankful. Thank Him today for all He has done for you! —JR* “Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever.” Psalm 106:1 PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I love You and thank You for everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

牙線

牙線
聖經閱讀：提摩太後書3:14-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月23日(二)

牙線幫助我們去除牙齒的菌斑和食物殘渣，如果不使用牙線，牙齒和牙周也許就會害病、衰弱。牙齒和牙周不健康，就沒辦法工作了。 　聖經就像「屬靈的牙線」，讀經並遵守聖經的教導幫助我們去除生活中的壞習慣、錯誤的態度和驕傲。讀經和禱告幫助我們抵擋魔鬼並在靈性上剛強。 　今天經文閱讀的第16節談到上帝的話語：「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。」當我們每天閱讀並查考聖經時，我們就更親近上帝。 　我希望你正在使用「屬靈的牙線」，天天讀經並跟上帝說話！—GT 「要使事奉上帝的人得到充分的準備，能做各種善事。」 提摩太後書3:17 禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢透過祢的恩典拯救我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Dental Floss
Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Dental floss helps us remove sticky plaque and small bits of food from our teeth. If we don't use dental floss, our teeth and gums may become diseased and weak. When our teeth and gums are not in good health, they can't do their jobs. 　The Bible is like “spiritual dental floss.” Reading and obeying the Bible helps us clean away bad habits, wrong attitudes and pride in our lives. Reading the Bible and praying helps us to resist the devil and stay strong spiritually. 　Verse 16 of our Bible Reading talks about God's Word. “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.” When we read and study the Bible every day, we grow closer to God. 　I hope you are using your “spiritual dental floss.” Read the Bible and talk to God every day! —GT “Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.”2 Timothy 3:17 PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for saving me through Your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

但以理與獅子

但以理與獅子
聖經閱讀：但以理書6:1-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月22日(一)

今天閱讀的經文告訴我，大流士王派但以理成為他的三個監督之一，「但以理很快就表現出他比其他監督或省長更能勝任」（第3a節），但是其他監督嫉妒他，就設下計謀要除掉但以理。 　這些監督知道但以理每天向上帝禱告三次，所以他們就慫恿國王頒布一條新的禁令，這條禁令規定任何人如果向神明祈禱或向除了王以外的人求什麼，都要被扔到獅子坑裡。那些監督逮到但以理向上帝禱告，就把他扔進獅子坑。 　但是上帝保護但以理，讓他平安、沒受到傷害，之後國王就吩附百姓：「在我治下的帝國臣民，都必須敬畏、尊崇但以理的上帝！他是永生的上帝」（第26節）。就算但以理身處險境，他仍然信靠上帝來看顧自己，上帝保護但以理，今天祂也會保護你。請記住，上帝永遠掌權，祂知道自己正在行的事！—AN 「他解救，援助，在天上地下行神蹟奇事。他拯救但以理脫離獅子的口。」 但以理書6:27 禱告：天父，謝謝祢永遠對我信實。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Daniel and the Lions
Bible Reading: Daniel 6:1-28
Monday, June 22, 2015

Our Bible Reading tells us that King Darius chose Daniel to be one of his three supervisors. “Daniel proved himself to be a better supervisor than any of the others” (verse 3a). But the other supervisors were jealous, and they made a plan to get rid of Daniel. 　These supervisors knew that Daniel prayed to God three times every day. So they encouraged the king to make a new law. This law said that anyone who prayed to any god or man except the king would be thrown into the lions' den. The supervisors caught Daniel praying to God and threw him into the den of lions. 　But God protected Daniel and kept him safe. Then the king told the people, “All of you must fear and respect the God of Daniel. Daniel's God is the living God” (verse 26b). Even when Daniel was in danger, he trusted God to take care of him. God protected Daniel, and He will protect you today. Remember that God is always in control and knows what He is doing! —AN “God helps and saves people. He does amazing miracles in heaven and on earth. He saved Daniel from the lions.” Daniel 6:27 PRAYER: Father, thank You for always being faithful to me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

作一個領袖

作一個領袖
聖經閱讀：申命記31:1-8 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年6月21日(日)

摩西帶領以色列人很多年，之後上帝揀選約書亞成為新領袖。在今天閱讀的經文中，摩西告訴百姓：「上主─你們的上帝要在你們前面親自帶領你們，消滅各民族……按照上主所說的，約書亞要作你們的領袖。」（第3節）。 　摩西召約書亞到所有以列人面前，他吩附約書亞（第7b-8節）說：「要堅強，要勇敢……上主要在你前面親自帶領你，與你同在。他不會忘記你，也不會丟棄你。所以，你不要喪膽，也不要驚惶。」後來約書亞成為一個偉大的領袖，為什麼呢？因為上帝與他同在、幫助他。 　今天上帝也需要好領袖。世上有許多人拒絶上帝的教導，上帝需要願意挺身捍衛公義的基督徒，祂也需要願意持續不斷分享耶穌福音的領袖，就算他們在遇到迫害的時候。 　今天你可以作上帝的領袖，上帝會與你同在並賜給你力量。 —SM 「要愛上主─你們的上帝，聽從他，對他忠心。」 申命記30:20a 禱告：天父，求祢幫助我為祢作一個好領袖。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Be a Leader
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Sunday, June 21, 2015

Moses led the Israelites for many years. God chose Joshua to become the new leader of the Israelites. In our Bible Reading, Moses told the people, “But the Lord your God will lead you people into that land. He will destroy these nations for you...The Lord said that Joshua must lead you” (verse 3). 　Moses called Joshua before all the Israelites. He told Joshua (verses 7b-8), “Be strong and brave...The Lord will lead you. He himself is with you. He will not fail you or leave you. Don't worry. Don't be afraid!” Joshua became a great leader. Why? Because God was with him and helped him. 　God needs good leaders today, too. Many people in the world reject God's teachings. God needs Christians who will stand up for what is right. He needs leaders who will continue to share the Good News about Jesus, even when they are facing persecution. 　You can be a leader for God today. God will be with you and give you strength. —SM “You must love the Lord your God and obey him. Never leave him, because he is your life.” Deuteronomy 30:20a PRAYER: Father, please help me be a good leader for You today. In Jesus' name. Amen.