親近上帝

親近上帝
聖經閱讀：詩篇16:1-11現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月31日(一)

　當我坐在安樂椅上時，家裡的小狗馬克斯會跳上來跟我坐在一起，牠喜歡親近我，為什麼呢？因為我會餵牠吃東西、帶牠去散步、陪牠玩。我喜歡馬克斯坐在我旁邊，所以我從來不會對牠說：「走開！現在我很忙，不能跟你坐在一起。」 就像馬克斯喜歡親近我，我也喜歡親近上帝。我喜歡跟上帝說話，也喜歡讓上帝透過聖經對我說話。上帝供應我需要的東西──食物、衣物和一個住的地方，上帝從來不會對我說：「我沒有時間理你。」
詩篇16篇的作者也喜歡親近上帝，他信靠上帝來照顧自己。在第11節，作者說：「你會指示我生命的道路。在你面前，我滿有喜樂；在你身邊，我有永遠的幸福。」 我希望你會喜歡親近上帝，祂愛你、會永遠供應你，今天就花一些時間跟上帝同在！ —DJH*

「上主啊，你是我的力量；我多麼敬愛你！主是保護我的巖石和堡壘；我的上帝是掩蔽我的避難所，是保護我的要塞。」 詩篇18:1-2a

禱告：親愛的上帝，謝謝祢愛我、照顧我，我願天天親近祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Near to God
Bible Reading: Psalm 16:1-11
Monday, October 31, 2016

　When I sit in my easy chair, our little dog, Max, jumps up and sits with me. He likes to be near me. Why? Because I feed him, take him for walks and play with him. I love having Max sit with me, so I never tell him, “Go away! I'm too busy to sit with you now.” Just as Max likes to be near me, I like to be near God. I like to talk to Him and have Him talk to me through the Bible. God provides the things I need — food, clothing and a place to live. God never says to me, “I don't have time for you.”
The writer of Psalm 16 liked to be near God, too. He depended on God to take care of him. In verse 11 the writer says, “You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.”
I hope that you like to be near God. He loves you and will always provide for you. Take some time today to be with God! —DJH*

“I love you, Lord! You are my strength. The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection.” Psalm 18:1-2a

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for loving me and taking care of me. I want to stay close to You every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

詩篇119 (10)

詩篇119 (10)
聖經閱讀：詩篇119:73-80現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月30日(日)

　清晨時電話鈴聲響起，原來是鎮上的獸醫打來的，他告訴我昨晚我們的狗去世了。這隻狗一直是我的親密夥伴，已經有14年之久。 掛上電話後，我回想起她開始無法走路前的模樣，我在屋子四處走動時，發現了她最愛的玩具和毯子，我拿起這些東西、坐到沙發上哭起來，我甚至連一句向上帝禱告的話都想不出來，只想到求上帝安慰我。
或許這就是詩篇119篇作者的感受，在第76、77a節，他說：「用你不變的愛安慰我，求你憐憫我，使我存活。」上帝的確安慰了我，祂幫助我知道，祂了解我的感受，上帝幫助我找回笑容，讓我想起跟愛犬的美好記憶。
無論今天你遇到什麼事情，要記得上帝會與你同在，安慰你並對你施慈愛。 —BH

「我多憂多慮的時候，你安慰我，使我快樂。」 詩篇94:19

禱告：主啊，當我遭遇不幸時，我知道祢會安慰我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Psalm 119 (10)
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:73-80
Sunday, October 30, 2016

　It was early in the morning when the phone rang. It was our local veterinarian. He told me that our dog had died during the night. Our dog had been my close companion for 14 years. After I hung up the phone, I thought about how our dog had looked the day before when she could not walk. As I walked around the house I found her favorite toy and blanket. I held them and sat on the couch and cried. I could not even think of the words to pray to God. All I could think of was to ask God to comfort me.
Perhaps that is how the writer of Psalm 119 felt. In verses 76、77a he said, “Now comfort me with your faithful love, as you promised. Comfort me and let me live.” God did comfort me. He helped me know that He understood how I felt. God helped me smile and think about good memories of our dog.
No matter what you face today, remember that God will be with you and show you His comfort and love. —BH

“I was very worried and upset, but you comforted me and made me happy!” Psalm 94:19

PRAYER: Lord, when I face times of trouble, I know that You will comfort me. Thank You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

積極的信心

積極的信心
聖經閱讀：雅各書2:14-26 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月29日(六)

　在今天讀的經文中，雅各鼓勵我們要有積極的信心。只是相信還不夠，我們必須用行動來證明信心。
亞伯拉罕相信上帝，當上帝吩咐亞伯拉罕將兒子以撒獻祭時，亞伯拉罕願意這麼做，「所以，人得以跟上帝有合宜的關係是藉著行為，不僅僅是藉信心」（第24節）。
有好長一段時間，我不知道什麼是積極的信心。後來，我被迫辭掉工作、將寵物留給家人照顧，搬到聽障事工參與他們的訓練課程。我對上帝的信心，以及祂在我生命的計劃帶領我做一些事。
千萬不要學像雅各所說的人──那些相信上帝和祂的話語，卻什麼都不做的人。今天就懇求上帝幫助你將信心化作行動。 —BC*

「我的弟兄姊妹們，如果有人說他有信心，卻不能用他的行為證明出來，有甚麼用處呢？信心沒有行為就是死的。」 雅各書2:14a，17b

禱告：天上的父，謝謝祢愛我，也感謝祢讓我知道如何事奉祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Active Fait
Bible Reading: James 2:14-26
Saturday, October 29, 2016

　In our Bible verses today, James encourages us to have an active faith. Believing in something is not enough. We need to do something to show that faith.
Abraham had faith in God. But when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, Abraham was willing to do that. “So you see that people are made right with God by what they do. They cannot be made right by faith alone” (verse 24).
For a long time, I did not know what active faith was. Then I was challenged to quit my job, leave my pets with family members and move to Deaf Missions to become part of their training program. My faith in God and His plan for my life led me to do something.
Don’t be like the people that James was talking about — those people who believe in God and His Word and then do nothing. Ask God to help you put your faith into action today. —BC*

“My brothers and sisters, if a person claims to have faith but does nothing, that faith is worth nothing. If it is just faith and nothing more — if it doesn’t do anything — it is dead.” James 2:14a, 17b

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. And thank You for showing me how I can serve You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

憐憫

憐憫
聖經閱讀：馬可福音8:1-10現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月28日(五)

　今天閱讀的經文告訴我們，有一次耶穌行神蹟餵飽了4000人，耶穌這麼做是因為祂對這些人心存憐憫。
但耶穌不只是可憐這些人，祂的憐憫之心驅使祂尋求方法來餵飽這一大群人。首先，耶穌找門徒來協助祂，他們將現有的食物集中起來，然後分享給群眾，而耶穌的作法是，祂先為食物祝謝禱告，然後將食物倍增。
今天我們可以看見周遭的基督徒對有需要的人施憐憫，一位年輕的媽媽是隔壁年老寡婦的朋友，在庇護中心工作的青少年幫忙餵食街友，而傳道人勸告那些面臨生活危機的人。
就好像耶穌向那些飢餓的人施憐憫一樣，今天我們可以看見上帝透過基督徒作工，今天就懇求上帝指示你向人分享祂的憐憫的方法。 —SH*

「當他看見一群群的人，動了惻隱之心；因為他們孤苦無助，像沒有牧人的羊群一般。」 馬太福音9:36

禱告：親愛的天父，求祢幫助我對人施憐憫。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Compassion
Bible Reading: Mark 8:1-10
Friday, October 28, 2016

　Today our Bible verses tell us about a time when Jesus miraculously fed 4000 people. Jesus did that because He had compassion for them.
But Jesus did not only feel sorry for the people. His compassion led Him to find a way to feed the large group of people. First, Jesus had his disciples help Him. They gathered the food they had and then gave the food to the people. Jesus’ action was giving thanks for the food and then multiplying it.
We can see Christians around us today showing compassion to people in need. A young mother is a friend to an elderly widow who lives next door. A teen works at a shelter and helps feed homeless people. A preacher counsels others who are facing crises in their lives.
Just as Jesus showed compassion to the hungry people, we can see God working through Christians today. Ask God to show you ways to share His compassion with people today. —SH*

“Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless — like sheep without a shepherd to lead them.” Matthew 9:36

PRAYER: Dear Father, help me show compassion to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

詩篇119 (9)

詩篇119 (9)
聖經閱讀：詩篇119:65-72現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月27日(四)

讀大學時我修了一門數學課，有時候在努力解題時，我感覺好像頭就要爆炸了，我想這些數學題目是我遇過最糟糕的事。
但是過去的幾年中，我曾經歷過許多壞事，自從先生去世之後，我必須扛起照顧孩子的責任並處理自己的健康問題，我必須隨時做重大的決定。
在今天閱讀的經文中，我們學到如何處理重大的決定。首先要做的事就是懇求上帝的幫助和智慧──「求你賜給我智慧和知識」（第66a節），然後我們一定要遵行上帝的話語──「但現在我遵守你的話」（第67b節）。最後，我們要求上帝帶領我們──「求你把你的誡命教導我」（第68b節）。
今天你要做重大的決定嗎？告訴上帝你要做什麼決定並求祂賜給你智慧和力量。 —BH

「我一心遵守你的訓誡。」 詩篇119:69b

禱告：主啊，求祢在我生命中做重大決定時幫助我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Psalm 119 (9)
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:65-72
Thursday, October 27, 2016

When I was in college, I took a math class. Sometimes when I tried to solve a math problem, I felt like my head would explode. I thought that those math problems were the worst things I would ever experience.
But during the past few years, I have experienced many bad things. Since my husband died, I have had the responsibility of taking care of my sons and dealing with my own health problems. I have to make important decisions all the time.
In our Bible Reading today, we learn how we should handle important decisions. The first thing we should do is ask God for His help and wisdom — “Give me the knowledge to make wise decisions” (verse 66a). Then we need to make sure we are obeying God's Word — “But now I carefully obey everything you say” (verse 67b). Finally, we need to ask God to guide us — “Teach me your laws” (verse 68b).
Do you have important decisions to make today? Talk to God about these decisions and ask Him to give you wisdom and strength. —BH

“But I keep obeying your instructions with all my heart.” Psalm 119:69b

PRAYER: Lord, help me as I make important decisions in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

上帝在我們裡面

上帝在我們裡面
聖經閱讀：腓立比書2:12-13 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月26日(三）

　以利沙砍了一根枝子、丟進水裏，斧子的頭就浮了上來（列王紀下6:1-7）。以色列人繞行耶利哥城、吹著號角並大聲吶喊，然後城牆就倒塌了（約書亞記6:20）。
以上這兩個事件有什麼相同的地方呢？這兩者都是神蹟。在兩個事件中，上帝在惡劣的情況中，用祂的大能使情況變好。一般來說，用鐵作的斧頭不會浮在水面上，人繞著城走也不會讓城牆倒塌，但是當我們倚靠上帝來幫助我們時，奇妙的事就會發生。
今天經文閱讀的第13節提醒我們，上帝在我們的生命中動工，「上帝常常在你們心裡工作，使你們既願意又能夠實行他美善的旨意」(第13b節)。 基督徒和上帝是一個團隊，一起同工在上帝的國度裡成就大事！
今天就讓上帝在你的生命動工來尊貴祂、榮耀祂。 — BL

「工作有多種，卻是同一位上帝賜給每人工作的能力。」 哥林多前書12:6

禱告：天父，求祢今天在我的生命中動工，為祢成就大事。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

God in Us
Bible Reading: Philippians 2:12-13
Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Elisha threw a stick into the water and a lost ax head floated to the top of the water (2 Kings 6:1-7). The Israelites marched around the city of Jericho, blowing trumpets and shouting, and the walls of the city fell down (Joshua 6:20). What do these two events have in common? They are both miracles. In each case, God took a bad situation and used His power to make it better. Normally, iron ax heads don't float on the water and people marching around a city do not cause walls to fall down. But when we depend on God to help us, wonderful things can happen.
Verse 13 of our Bible Reading reminds us that God works in our lives. “He helps you want to do what pleases him, and he gives you the power to do it” (verse 13b). God and Christians are a team, working together to make great things happen in His kingdom!
Allow God to work in your life today to bring honor and glory to Him. —BL

“And there are different ways that God works in people, but it is the same God who works in all of us to do everything.” 1 Corinthians 12:6

PRAYER: Father, please work in my life today to do great things for You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

要知足

要知足
聖經閱讀:腓立比書4:10-13現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月25日(二)

　當今的世界中，有許多人過著以債養債的生活，有些人努力找工作來清還債務，也許我們都夢想著花錢買好車、買電子產品或者去度假。
當有這些慾望卻沒有錢買時，我們就感到貧窮，這種貧窮的感覺可能讓我們不滿意現狀。在今天讀的經文中，保羅鼓勵我們要對所擁有的東西感到知足，他說，「我已經學會對現狀滿足」（第11b節）。
有一天我們跟上帝在天上所擁有的將會遠勝過在地上所擁有的任何東西，所以我們要對現狀感到知足，並且期待上帝在天上賜福我們的日子快點到來。今天要學像保羅！
要知足並倚靠耶穌來幫助你完成該做的事。 —MP*

「我已經得到祕訣，隨時隨地……豐富好，缺乏也好，我都知足。藉著基督所賜的力量，我能夠適應任何情況。」 腓立比書4:11b-12

禱告：親愛的天父，我期待永遠與祢同住。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Be Satisfied
Bible Reading: Philippians 4:10-13
Tuesday, October 25, 2016

　In our world today, many people live from paycheck to paycheck. Other people struggle to find a job and pay their debts. Probably we all dream of spending our money on things like a nice car, electronic devices or a vacation trip.
When we have these desires but don't have the money to buy what we want, we feel poor. This feeling of poverty may lead us to become dissatisfied with what we have. In our Bible verses, Paul encourages us to be satisfied with what we have. “I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens” (verse 11b).
What we will have in heaven with God will be much better than anything we can have on earth. So we need to be satisfied with what we have now and look forward to when God will bless us in heaven. Be like Paul today.
Be satisfied and depend on Jesus to help you do whatever you need to do. —MP*

“I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation... when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:11b

PRAYER: Dear Father, I look forward to living forever with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

詩篇119 (8)

詩篇119 (8)
聖經閱讀：詩篇119:57-64 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月24日(一)

<今天經文閱讀的第62a節讓我回想起很久以前的一段經歷，這節經文說：「我在半夜起來，頌讚你公義的律例。」 我兒子還是嬰兒的時候，我以為他感冒了，半夜時他感到很不舒服，於是我打電話給醫生，醫生要我馬上帶兒子去醫院。我開車送兒子到醫院，看著醫生和護士照顧著他，我感到很無助，只能站在外面的走道上禱告。
終於，我可以帶兒子回家了，醫生教我一些特別的方法來照顧兒子，好幾個晚上我睡在他旁邊，我感到非常疲倦，還要努力忍住不哭。 我兒子慢慢地好起來，有一個晚上醒來時，我發現兒子好很多了，於是我下床禱告，感謝上帝在他生病時一直幫助他。
當生命遇到患難時，要懇求上帝幫助你、安慰你，也不要忘記感謝上帝回應你的禱告。—BH

「上主啊，我要頌讚你，因為你垂聽我。」 詩篇118:21a

禱告：親愛的主，感謝祢照顧我和我的家人。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Psalm 119 (8)
Bible Reading: Psalm 119:57-64
Monday, October 24, 2016

Verse 62a of our Bible Reading reminds me of an experience I had a long time ago. This verse says, “In the middle of the night, I get up to thank you.” When my son was a baby, I thought he had a cold. During the night he became very sick. I called our doctor, and he told me to take my son to the hospital right away. I drove my son to the hospital and watched as doctors and nurses took care of him. I felt helpless. All I could do was stand out of the way and pray.
Finally I was allowed to take my son home. The doctor had given me special instructions on how to take care of my son. I slept beside my son for several nights. I was very tired and kept trying not to cry. Slowly my son improved. One night I woke up and noticed that my son looked a lot better. I got up and prayed and thanked God for helping my son through this sickness.
When you face bad times in your life, ask God to help and comfort you. And don’t forget to thank Him for answering your prayer. —BH

“Lord, I thank you for answering my prayer.” Psalm 118:21a

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for taking care of me and my family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

衝突

衝突
聖經閱讀：馬太福音18:15-20 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月23日(日)

　我們在生活中都會有面對衝突的時候，就算是基督徒也不會永遠同意彼此的想法。在今天閱讀的經文中，耶穌教我們一個方法來解決主內弟兄姊妹之間的衝突。
經文第15節說：「假使你的弟兄得罪你，你就去見他，指出他的錯誤。」這節經文告訴我們要採取行動來化解衝突，假如單獨去跟弟兄姊妹談無法解決問題，這時我們要帶其他基督徒跟我們一起去，如果還是沒有幫助，我們只能「把他當作外人或稅棍看待好了」（第17b節）。
我們不應該討厭這樣的人，反而要對他們展現上帝的愛和恩典。我們要盡力去化解跟其他基督徒的衝突，上帝喜悅我們用上帝的方式去解決問題。—DVH*

「耶如果你的弟兄犯罪，勸誡他；要是他悔改，饒恕他。」 路加福音17:3b

禱告：天父，求祢幫助我向主內的弟兄姊妹展現祢的愛與恩典。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(李信儀譯)

Conflicts
Bible Reading: Matthew 18:15-20
Sunday, October 23, 2016

　We all face conflicts in life. Even Christians do not always agree with each other. In our Bible Reading, Jesus gives us a plan for resolving conflicts with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Verse 15 says, “If your brother or sister in God's family does something wrong, go and tell them what they did wrong.” This shows us that we need to do something to resolve our conflicts. If going to a brother or sister alone doesn't solve the problem, then we are to take other Christians with us. And if that doesn't help, then we are to “treat them as you would treat someone who does not know God or who is a tax collector” (verse 17b).
We should not hate that person. Instead we should show them God's love and grace. We should work hard to resolve our conflicts with other Christians. God will be pleased when we settle our problems using Jesus' plan. —DVH*

“If your brother or sister in God's family does something wrong, warn them. If they are sorry for what they did, forgive them.” Luke 17:3b

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me show Your love and grace to all my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

耶穌的生平 (10)

耶穌的生平 (10)
聖經閱讀：馬太福音28:16-20現代中譯本|合和本
2016年10月22日(六)

耶穌吩咐祂十一個特別的門徒前往加利利的一座山上，他們在山上向耶穌下拜。
今天讀的經節跟我們談到耶穌對門徒說話時，祂給了他們一個特別的命令，耶穌說：「所以，你們要去，使萬國萬民都作我的門徒，奉父、子、聖靈的名給他們施洗，並且教導他們遵守我所給你們的一切命令」（第19-20a節）。
這個命令也適用現今的基督徒，但有時候去向人分享耶穌是一件困難的事，當我們害怕或感到灰心去向人分享福音時，聖靈會幫助我們，祂是我們基督信仰生活中的安慰者、指導者和幫助者。
今天就找機會向人分享耶穌的福音，懇求聖靈幫助你、帶領你。 —BC*

「可是聖靈臨到你們的時候，你們會充滿能力，要在耶路撒冷、猶太，和撒馬利亞全境，甚至到天涯海角，為我作見證。」 使徒行傳1:8

禱告：天父，謝謝祢差派聖靈來幫助我。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Jesus' Life (10)
Bible Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Saturday, October 22, 2016

　Jesus told His eleven special followers to go to a mountain in Galilee. On that mountain, they worshiped Jesus. Our Bible verses tell us that while Jesus was talking to His followers, He gave them a special command. Jesus said, “So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do” (verses 19-20a).
This command is for Christians today, too. But sometimes it is hard to tell other people about Jesus. When we are scared or discouraged about sharing the Gospel with others, the Holy Spirit helps us. He is our comforter, counselor and helper in our Christian life.
Look for opportunities today to share the Good News about Jesus with someone. Ask the Holy Spirit to help and guide you. —BC*

“But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me — in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” Acts 1:8

PRAYER: Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to help me. In Jesus' name. Amen.