以斯拉記 (2)

以斯拉記 (2)
聖經閱讀：以斯拉記6:13-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月31日(五)

昨天我們談到耶路撒冷和聖殿被毁，猶太人一度必須停止重建的工作，但是今天閱讀的經文告訴我們，上帝與他們同在，所以他們能夠完成重建聖殿的工作。 　當聖殿重建完成時，猶太人很開心，他們讚美上帝並且盛大慶祝，「以色列的人民，包括祭司、利未人，和所有流亡歸來的人，都歡歡喜喜地舉行奉獻聖殿的典禮」（第16節）。 　當猶太人有好事發生時，他們就會讚美上帝、感謝祂，而有好事臨到你時，你會做什麼呢？我希望你會花時間讚美上帝，並向人傳講上帝為你成就的事。 　今天就花一點時間想一想那些曾經發生在你身上的好事，然後為每一件事讚美上帝！ －MS 「他們充滿快樂；因為上主使亞述皇帝對他們友善，支持他們重建以色列的上帝的聖殿。」 以斯拉記6:22b 禱告：上帝，謝謝祢為我做那麼多事來天天幫助我，我愛祢並讚美祢！奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Ezra (2)
Bible Reading: Ezra 6:13-22
Friday, July 31, 2015

Yesterday we talked about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The Jews had to stop their work for a time. But our Bible verses today tell us that God was with them, and they were able to finish rebuilding the temple. 　When the temple was finished, the Jews were so happy. They praised God and had a big celebration. “Then the Israelites celebrated the dedication of God's Temple with much happiness. The priests, the Levites, and all the other people who came back from captivity joined in the celebration” (verse 16). 　Something good happened to the Jews, so they praised God and thanked Him. What do you do when something good happens to you? I hope that you take time to praise God and tell other people what God has done for you. 　Take some time today and think about the many good things that have happened to you. Then praise God for each one! —MS “The Lord made them very happy because he had changed the attitude of the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria had helped them do the work on God's Temple.” Ezra 6:22b PRAYER: Thank You, God, for the many things you do to help me every day. I love You and praise You! In Jesus' name. Amen.

以斯拉記 (1)

以斯拉記 (1)
聖經閱讀：以斯拉記4:1-24 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月30日(四)

耶路撒冷城和聖殿已經被毁，上帝的子民猶太人想要重建聖城和聖殿。 　今天閱讀的經文告訴我們，有一些人不希望猶太人進行重建的工作，所以這些人「就想法阻止並恐嚇猶太人，不讓他們建造」（第4節）。最後，猶太人被迫停止重建聖殿的工作。 　今天或許有人會企圖阻止我們想要為上帝做的工，他們也許會說我們的壞話，或者對我們做壞事，但是我們必須一直相信上帝、倚靠祂。 　也許今天你計劃為上帝做一點事，要記得，上帝愛你、與你同在。請不要放棄！要繼續為上帝做工。 －DB* 「我們遭遇各樣的困難，卻沒有被壓碎；常有疑慮，卻未嘗絕望；有許多仇敵，但總有朋友；常被打倒，卻沒有喪亡。」 哥林多後書4:8-9 禱告：親愛的天父，今天我願為祢做工，求祢幫助我剛強、不放棄。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Ezra (1)
Bible Reading: Ezra 4:1-24
Thursday, July 30, 2015

The city of Jerusalem and the temple had been destroyed. God’s people, the Jews, wanted to rebuild the city and the temple. 　Our Bible Reading tells us that some people did not want the Jews to rebuild. So these people “began to discourage them and tried to frighten them in order to stop them from building the Temple” (verse 4). Finally, the Jews were forced to stop work on the temple. 　Perhaps today someone will try to stop us from doing what we want to do for God. They may say bad things about us or do bad things to us. But we need to continue to trust God and depend on Him. 　Maybe you plan to do something for God today. Remember that God is with you and loves you. Don’t give up! Keep on working for God. —DB* “We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 PRAYER: Dear Father, I want to work for You today. Help me to stay strong and not give up. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

路標

路標
聖經閱讀：詩篇1:1-6 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月29日(三)

如果你經常出外旅行，你大概會對路標心存感謝。路標指引我們到要去的地方，幫助我們得以安全。 　聖經包含了上帝要給我們的信息，這些信息就好像路標，讓我們知道該如何生活、如何與上帝維持親密的關係。上帝的信息同時也向我們警示會帶我們遠離上帝的危險狀況。 　詩篇第1篇談到上帝賜給我們的信息。愛上帝的人留心聆聽祂的教導並且「日夜默誦不倦」（第2b節），這些人也同時成為信心堅強的人，而且「他所做的事樣樣順利！」（第3b節）我願成為一個信心堅強的人，並且希望在跟從上帝時事事順利。 　今天當你看到路標時，就想一想聖經。記得，跟從上帝的意思就是留心聆聽祂對你的特別信息。 －JP 「他像移植溪水邊的果樹，按季節結果子，葉子也不凋零。」 詩篇1:3a 禱告：天父，謝謝祢每天透過祢的話語來帶領我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Road Signs
Bible Reading: Psalm 1:1-6
Wednesday, July 29, 2015

If you travel very much, you are probably very thankful for road signs. Road signs show us where we should go and help keep us safe. 　The Bible contains God's messages to us. These messages are like road signs. They show us how we should live and keep us close to Him. God's messages also warn us about dangerous situations that will lead us away from God. 　Psalm 1 talks about God's messages to us. People who love God pay attention to His teachings “and think about them day and night” (verse 2b). These people also become strong in their faith and everything “they do is successful” (verse 3b). I want to have a strong faith and be successful in following God. 　When you see road signs today, think about the Bible. Remember that following God means paying attention to His special messages for you. —JP “So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream — a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall.” Psalm 1:3a PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for leading me every day through Your Word. In Jesus' name. Amen.

七月聖誕節 (3)

七月聖誕節 (3)
聖經閱讀：路加福音2:36-38 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月28日(二)

當商店舉辦大型特賣會時，店裡總是大排長龍、擠滿了很多人，這些人往往失去耐性、對別人不友善。 　在今天閱讀的經文中，我們讀到安娜的事跡，她是一個傳講上帝信息的先知。安娜守寡許多年，她住在耶路撒冷的聖殿裡，安娜「日夜敬拜上帝，禁食、禱告」（第37b節）。 　當安娜在聖殿裡看見嬰孩耶穌時，她讚美上帝並去向人宣講彌賽亞的事。安娜耐心等候很多年，終於可以面見上帝的兒子。 　有時候我們也會失去耐性，這時我們應當停下來想一想每天從上帝那裡領受的諸多祝福。今天就花時間寫下一些你得到的祝福，感謝上帝為你所做的一切。 －JB* 「正在這時候，她也來了，頌讚上帝，並且向所有期待上帝來救贖耶路撒冷的人宣講這孩子的事。」 路加福音2:38 禱告：主，我願學像安娜成為一個有耐心的人，求祢今天幫助我記得我領受的諸多祝福。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Christmas in July (3)
Bible Reading: Luke 2:36-38
Tuesday, July 28, 2015

When stores have big sales, they are filled with many people waiting in line. Often these people become impatient and are unkind to one another. 　In our Bible verses today, we read about Anna. She was a prophetess who spoke God’s messages. Anna had been a widow for many years, and she lived in the temple in Jerusalem. Anna “worshiped God by fasting and praying day and night” (verse 37b). 　When Anna saw baby Jesus in the temple, she praised God and told other people about the Messiah. Anna had been patient for many years. Finally, she was able to see God’s Son. 　Sometimes we may become impatient, too. Then we should stop and think about the many blessings we receive from God every day. Take time today to write down some of your blessings. Thank God for all He does for you. —JB* “Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38 PRAYER: Lord, I want to be patient like Anna. Help me to remember my many blessings today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

七月聖誕節 (2)

七月聖誕節 (2)
聖經閱讀：路加福音2:25-32 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月27日(一)

有一些人喜歡在七月聖誕節時買聖誕禮物，他們很高興找到特價商品作為聖誕禮物。 　聖誕禮物是很棒的東西，但是我們應當記得，我們最棒的禮物是耶穌！在今天閱讀的經文中，我們得知西面的事跡，他是在聖殿裡服事的人，他等待看見彌賽亞──就是上帝會差派來作為世人救主的那一位。聖靈告訴西面，他會在死前看見彌賽亞。 　當馬利亞和約瑟帶嬰孩耶穌到聖殿時，西面知道耶穌就是彌賽亞。西面感謝上帝讓他可以看見耶穌，西面禱告說：「我已親眼看見你的拯救」（第30節）。 　當你在一年中為家人和朋友買禮物時，請記得上帝賜給我們最棒的禮物是祂的兒子耶穌。要每天感謝上帝賜下耶穌！ －JB* 「上帝那麼愛世人，甚至賜下他的獨子，要使所有信他的人不致滅亡，反得永恆的生命。」 約翰福音3:16 禱告：親愛的上帝，求祢幫助我永遠記得耶穌的降生，謝謝祢賜給我奇妙的禮物。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Christmas in July (2)
Bible Reading: Luke 2:25-32
Monday, July 27, 2015

Some people like to buy Christmas gifts during sales in July. They are happy to find good bargains on Christmas gifts. 　Christmas gifts are nice, but we should remember that our greatest gift is Jesus! In our Bible Reading today, we learn about Simeon who was serving in the temple. He was waiting to see the Messiah — the One whom God would send to be the Savior of the world. The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died. 　When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon knew that Jesus was the Messiah. Simeon thanked God for letting him see Jesus. Simeon prayed, “I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people” (verse 30). 　As you buy gifts for your family and friends throughout the year, remember that God’s greatest gift to us is His Son, Jesus. Thank God for Jesus every day! —JB* “Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to always remember Jesus’ birth. Thank You for Your wonderful gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

七月聖誕節 (1)

七月聖誕節 (1)
聖經閱讀：路加福音2:8-18 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月26日(日)

七月的時候有很多商店舉辦特賣會，他們稱這些特賣會為「七月聖誕節！」這些店家希望他們可以像在聖誕季一樣賺很多錢。 　聖誕節特賣會也許讓一些人感到開心，但是聖誕節真正的喜樂是發生在我們慶祝耶穌誕生的時候，這才是聖誕節的真正意義。 　在今天閱讀的經文中，我們讀到了一個主的天使向一些牧羊人顯現，天使告訴他們耶穌降生的好消息。耶穌的誕生為世界帶來極大的喜樂。為什麼呢？因為上帝實現了祂的應許，祂差派了一位救主到人世間。 　當我們記得耶穌誕生的意義時，就應當整年都歡喜快樂。耶穌來到世界受死、為我們帶來救恩，就算生活中我們可能遇到困難，但是當想到耶穌時，我們仍然可以擁有喜樂。 －JB* 「要讚美上主，因他至善；要歌頌他的名，因他慈愛。」 詩篇135:3 禱告：天父，我願整年歡喜快樂慶祝耶穌的誕生。奉主的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Christmas in July (1)
Bible Reading: Luke 2:8-18
Sunday, July 26, 2015

Many department stores have special sales during the month of July. They call these sales “Christmas in July!” The stores hope to make lots of money during July like they do during the Christmas season. 　Christmas sales may make some people happy. But real Christmas joy happens when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. That is the true meaning of Christmas. 　In our Bible Reading today, we read that an angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds. The angel told them the good news about Jesus’ birth. Jesus’ birth brought great joy to the world. Why? Because God had fulfilled His promise and sent a Savior into the world. 　We should be happy all year when we remember what Jesus’ birth means. Jesus came into the world to die and bring us salvation. Even though we might be facing bad situations in our lives, we can still have joy when we think about Jesus. —JB* “Praise the Lord, because he is good. Praise his name, because it brings such joy!” Psalm 135:3 PRAYER: Father, I want to be joyful and celebrate Jesus’ birth all year. In His name. Amen.

我們的身體

我們的身體
聖經閱讀：哥林多前書6:18-20 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月25日(六)

現今有很多人認為他們可以用自己的身體來做任何想做的事，他們吃喝太多、嗑藥，或捲入性犯罪中，所有這些事都會傷害我們的身體。 　在今天閱讀的經文中，保羅提醒我們，說我們的身體對上帝是非常特別的：「你們不知道你們的身體就是聖靈的殿嗎？這聖靈住在你們裏面，是上帝所賜的。你們不屬於自己」（第19節）。如果你是基督徒，你是屬於上帝的，因為祂透過耶穌的死來買贖你，祂的聖靈就住在你裡面。 　我們應當保持身體的潔淨，好讓聖靈有一個好的地方可以住。我們可以藉著遠離會傷害我們身體、導致我們犯罪的事來做到這樣，我們也可以運動、吃健康的食物。 　今天就感謝上帝賜下透過祂的兒子耶穌而來的救恩，請用你的身體來榮耀祂、讚美祂。 －BP* 「因為他用重價買了你們。所以，你們要用身體來榮耀上帝。」 哥林多前書6:20 禱告：親愛的天父，我願用我身體來榮耀祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Our Bodies
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Saturday, July 25

Many people today think that they can do anything they want with their bodies. They eat or drink too much, take drugs or become involved in sexual sins. All of these things can hurt our bodies. 　In our Bible verses today, Paul reminds us that our bodies are very special to God. “You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit that you received from God and that lives in you. You don't own yourselves” (verse 19). If you are a Christian, you belong to God. He bought you through the death of Jesus, and His Holy Spirit lives in you. 　We should keep our bodies clean and pure so that the Holy Spirit has a good place to live. We can do that by staying away from things that hurt our bodies and cause us to sin. We can also exercise and eat healthy foods. 　Thank God today for salvation through His Son, Jesus. Use your body to glorify and praise Him! —BP* “God paid a very high price to make you his. So honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I want to use my body to glorify You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

信靠上帝

信靠上帝
聖經閱讀：路得記4:13-17 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月24日(五)

聖經裡有很多信靠上帝的例子，其中一個例子是拿娥美和她媳婦路得的故事。 　拿娥美和路得從摩押回到拿娥美的故鄉伯利恆，她們兩個人都是寡婦，沒有錢、也沒有人幫助她們，但是她們信靠上帝的照顧。 　上帝透過一個叫波阿斯的人來供應拿娥美和路得的需要。一開始，波阿斯允許路得從他的田裡撿拾麥穗，之後波阿斯請求路得嫁給他。 　今天的經文告訴我們這個故事的美好結局，波阿斯和路得結婚並生下了一個兒子叫俄備得，他就是大衛王的祖父。上帝賜給路得一個兒子來祝福她，而且祂也透過大衛王來祝福以色列民族。 　今天你或許遇到了困難，就信靠上帝並讓祂在你的生命中動工，祂會祝福你、看顧你。 －CL 「上帝是我們的避難所和力量，是我們患難中隨時的幫助。」 詩篇46:1 禱告：親愛的上帝，今天我願完全信靠祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Trust God
Bible Reading: Ruth 4:13-17
Friday, July 24, 2015

There are many examples in the Bible of people who trusted God. One example is the story of Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. 　Naomi and Ruth traveled from Moab to Naomi's hometown of Bethlehem. They were both widows. They had no money and no one to support them. But they trusted God to take care of them. 　God provided for Naomi and Ruth through a man named Boaz. At first, Boaz allowed Ruth to gather food from his fields. Then Boaz asked Ruth to marry him. 　Our Bible verses today tell us the wonderful ending to this story. Boaz and Ruth were married and had a son named Obed. He became the grandfather of King David. God blessed Ruth with a son, and He also blessed the nation of Israel through King David. 　You may face problems today. Trust in God and allow Him to work in your life. He will bless you and take care of you. —CL “God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 PRAYER: Dear God, I want to trust You completely today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

忠心

忠心
聖經閱讀：但以理書6:16-28 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月23日(四)

今天閱讀的經文是有關但以理，但以理是一個猶太人，他被俘擄到巴比倫。就算但以理身處在一個陌生的國家，他仍然對上帝忠心，「每天三次向上帝獻上感謝和禱告」（但以理書6:10a）。 　但以理服事大流士王，有一天大流士王頒布了一條新的法令，這個法令說，任何人若要求什麼只能向他求，如果有人向上帝求，他們會被扔到獅子坑裡。不久之後，國王發現但以理每天向上帝禱告，所以但以理就被扔到獅子坑裡。 　然後神奇的事就發生了！上帝救了但以理免受獅子的傷害，但以理告訴大流士王：「上帝差派天使來封住獅子的口，使牠們不能傷害我」（第22a節）。但以理永遠忠心地順服上帝。 　有時候順服上帝是一件困難的事，但是我們必須順服祂而不用擔心別人怎麼想。上帝會獎賞我們的忠心！ －CP 「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，我願永遠對祢忠心。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Faithfulness
Bible Reading: Daniel 6:16-28
Thursday, July 23, 2015

Our Bible Reading today is about Daniel. Daniel was a Jew who was captured and sent to Babylon. Even though Daniel was in a strange country, he still remained faithful to God. “Daniel always prayed to God three times every day” (Daniel 6:10a). 　Daniel served King Darius. One day King Darius made a new law. This law said that people could only pray to him. If someone prayed to God, they would be thrown into a den of lions. Soon the king found out that Daniel prayed to God every day. So, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions. 　Then a wonderful thing happened! God saved Daniel from the lions. Daniel told King Darius, “My God sent his angel to save me” (verse 22a). Daniel was faithful to always obey God. 　Sometimes it is hard to be faithful to God. But we need to obey Him and not worry about what other people think. God will reward us for our faithfulness! —CP “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, I want to always be faithful to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

順服

順服
聖經閱讀：創世記6:9-22 現代中譯本|合和本
2015年7月22日(三)

大多數人都知道挪亞造了一艘大船的聖經故事。上帝告訴挪亞：「我決定滅絕人類。世界充滿著他們的暴行，我要把他們跟這世界一起消滅。你要選用好的木材，為自己造一條船」（第13b-14a節）。 　也許挪亞並不明白為什麼他要造一艘船再將動物集合到船上，但是第22節告訴我們：「挪亞照上帝的吩咐一一做了。」挪亞順服上帝。也許聖經裡有一些事你並不明白，或者你不了解為什麼上帝希望你去做某些事，但我們不必了解，我們只需要像挪亞一樣，順服！ 　創世記第8和第9章告訴我們，上帝讓挪亞和家人安全地待在船上，當洪水退去時，挪亞和家人離開船並開始新的生活。上帝因著挪亞的順服而祝福他。 　上帝會因著你的順服而祝福你，請閱讀並順服上帝的話語！ －JP* 「但是我要與你立約；你要領你的妻子、兒子、媳婦進到船裏。」 創世記6:18 禱告：主。我愛祢，我願順服於祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！ (尤榮輝譯)

Obedience
Bible Reading: Genesis 6:9-22
Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Most people know the Bible story about Noah building a big boat. God told Noah, “So I will destroy all living things. I will remove them from the earth. Use cypress wood and build a boat for yourself” (verse 13b). 　Maybe Noah did not understand why he should build a boat and gather animals to come on the boat. But verse 22 tells us that “Noah did everything God commanded him.” Noah obeyed God. Maybe there are things about the Bible that you don't understand. Or maybe you don't understand why God wants you to do certain things. We don't need to understand. We just need to be like Noah and obey! 　Chapters 8 and 9 of Genesis tell us that God kept Noah and his family safe in the boat. When the flood waters went down, Noah and his family left the boat and started a new life. God blessed Noah for his obedience. 　God will bless you for your obedience. Read God's Word and obey it! —JP* “I will make a special agreement with you. You, your wife, your sons, and their wives will all go into the boat.” Genesis 6:18 PRAYER: Lord, I love You and I want to obey You. In Jesus' name. Amen.