Verse from Psalm

“耶和华啊！求你使我知道我的结局，我的寿数有多少，使我知道我的生命多么短促。 世人来来往往只是幻影，他们忙乱也是虚空；积聚财物, 却不知道谁要来收取。主啊！现在我还等候甚么呢？ 我的指望在乎你. (诗篇 39:4, 6, 7)

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:4, 6, 7)

Lord, we know that our life on this earth is so short compared to eternity. Bless us, fill us, use us to tell of Your love and goodness as much we can and for as long as we can until we see You. Amen.

Verse from Isaiah

草必枯干，花必凋谢， 唯有我们 神的道永远长存。” (以赛亚书 40:8)

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

Verse from Psalms

因为耶和华看顾义人的道路， 恶人的道路却必灭亡。 (诗篇 1:6)

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
(Psalm 1:6)

What freedom lies with all who choose to live for God each day!
But chains of bondage shackle those
Who choose some other way.
- D. DeHaan

Verse from Mark

你们站着祷告的时候，若想起有人得罪你们，就当饶恕他，好叫你们在天上的父也饶恕你们的过犯。 (马可福音 11:25)

Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. (Mark 11:25)

While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded us to do it, he has also given us his Son as an example of forgiveness

Verse from Joshua

以色列人犯了罪，违背了我吩咐他们的约定，因为他们取了那当毁灭的物，他们偷窃，并且说谎，又把那当毁灭的物放在自己的物件中。 所以，以色列人在他们的仇敌面前站立不住，在他们的仇敌面前转身逃跑，因为他们成了当毁灭的。如果你们不把那当毁灭的物从你们中间除掉，我就必不再与你们同在了。 (约书亚记 7:11, 12)

Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction. (Joshua 7:11, 12)

A winning strategy for our daily battles: confessing our sin and living in the power that God provides.

Verse from John

“ 神爱世人，甚至把他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生。 因为 神差他的儿子到世上来，不是要定世人的罪，而是要使世人借着他得救。
(约翰福音 3:16, 17)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
(John 3:16, 17)

Verse from Isaiah

因为有一个婴孩为我们而生，有一个儿子赐给我们；政权必担在他的肩头上；他的名必称为“奇妙的策士、全能的神、永恒的父、和平的君”。(以赛亚书 9:6)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Verse from Luke

因为生命比饮食重要，身体比衣服重要。
(路加福音 12:23)

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
(Luke 12:23)

In the rush of the holiday season and the grab at getting and giving gifts, it is very important to remember that life is much more than even the most basic things we think we need. If we lose sight of God, his work and his will in our lives, then what do we have? Not much and it won't last long! My prayer for you, and for me, during this holiday season is that we are reminded of what is most important, most valuable, and most enduring.

Verse from Psalms

求你教我遵行你的旨意， 因为你是我的 神； 愿你至善的灵引导我到平坦的地。 (诗篇 143:10)

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10)

Verse from Jeremiah

耶和华说：我知道我向你们所怀的意念是赐平安的意念，不是降灾祸的意念，要叫你们末后有指望。
(耶利米书 29:11)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
(Jeremiah 29:11)

Keep Hugging‏

Having a "tender heart" for people has its risks.
Without exception, some people will reject you and let you down.
 
When you read the Bible, it's the story of God and Jesus.
Think about it and the rejection They received.
 
As a pastor of a church and the writer of MountainWings, I reach
out to a lot of people. I don't receive a salary or any
monetary compensation at the church. I do it for the love of
God and the love of people.
 
MountainWings is the same.
Many are appreciative, but most take it for granted.
Thus is the path of the servant, understand this.
 
Many people join MountainWings each day, yet there are others
who leave daily. Sometimes those who leave write very nasty
comments giving all types of reasons with all types of
misconceptions or correct conceptions.
 
I am often tempted to email them back to either explain or just
vent. I will tell you what God told me.
 
"Let them go and waste no time nor effort, spend all of your
energy on those who remain and freely accept what you give."
 
You will always have those who reject hugs, who reject love,
who reject compassion, who reject the good that you do.
 
Parents will have children who reject them,
no matter how hard they try.
 
Teachers will have students who reject them,
no matter how hard they try.
 
Good Samaritans will have those whom they try to help reject
them.
 
Husbands will have wives and wives will have husbands who reject
them, no matter how hard they try.
 
God made a great sacrifice, and yet most of the world rejected
His sacrifice then and now.
 
Your situation is not unusual; it is the path of the servant.
 
Don't let those who don't appreciate what you are trying to do
discourage you.
 
I often say before each sermon, before each issue of
MountainWings, if this can help just one person, it's worth it.
Yes, I know some will reject it but this may not be meant for
everyone, it's special.
 
Even though there are those who have and will continue to reject
your hugs, there is one waiting, in desperate need of your hug.
Your hug may save their life and world.
 
Don't let people discourage you. Keep hugging, keep loving,
keep giving, it is the way of the servant.
 
(Mark 10:43-45 NIV)  "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to
become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants
to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a
ransom for many."
 
Pastor Nathaniel
~A MountainWings Original~

Verse from Proverbs

恩慈的话好象蜂巢中的蜂蜜，使人心里甘甜，骨头健壮。
(箴言 16:24)

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
(Proverbs 16:24)

Instead of hurling angry words
That wound and stir up strife,
Use words of kindness,
filled with love,
That heal and nourish life. —Sper

Verse from Deuteronomy

Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, (Deuteronomy 11:8)

“所以你们要遵守我今日吩咐你的一切诫命，使你们坚强起来，可以进去得着你们将要过去得的那地，
(申命记 11:8)

God's desire that we obey his will is not arbitrary, impulsive, or demanding. He simply wants us to reflect his character, find his blessings, and receive his strength. Let's not look at obedience merely as something we must do, but as a blessing we get to discover.

Verse from Proverbs

我儿，不可轻看耶和华的管教，也不可厌恶他的责备；因为耶和华所爱的，他必责备，正如父亲责备他喜爱的儿子一样。(箴言 3:11, 12)

My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof, For whom The Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:11, 12)

Verse from Psalm

信靠耶和华的人 有福了！ 他们不随从 骄傲自大、信靠假神的人。
(诗篇 40:4)

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord , who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. (Psalm 40:4)

Verse from Romans

要彼此同心；不要志气高大，倒要俯就卑微的人 。不要自以为聪明。 (罗马书 12:16)

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16)

Verse from 1 Timothy

你要嘱咐那些今世富有的人，叫他们不要心高气傲，也不要寄望在浮动的财富上，却要仰望那厚赐百物给我们享用的 神。 又要嘱咐他们行善，在善事上富足，慷慨好施。 (提摩太前书 6:17, 18)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
(1 Timothy 6:17, 18)

Our natural tendency is to grasp what we have instead of freely giving to those in need. The challenge of riches is living with thankful hearts to God and open hands to others.

Verse from Proverbs

温和的回答平息怒气， 粗暴的言词激起愤怒。 (箴言 15:1)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Verse from Job

“我立大地根基的时候，你在哪里？ 你若那么聪明，请告诉我。
(约伯记 38:4)

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding,
(Job 38:4)

If we’re tempted to tell God how life should work, let’s remember He invented it! May He help us to humbly acknowledge our ignorance and to rely on Him—the Creator of the universe.

Lord, You are so awesome and great. But sometimes in ignorance and arrogance I attempt to take Your place.
I humbly submit my life to You anew and acknowledge that all glory and praise belongs to You. Amen.

Verse from 1 John

不要爱世界和世上的东西。人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了。 原来世上的一切，就如肉体的私欲，眼目的私欲和今生的骄傲，都不是出于父，而是从世界来的。 这世界和世上的私欲都要渐渐过去，但那遵行 神旨意的却存到永远。 (约翰壹书 2:15-17)

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Verse from Psalm

神啊！求你鉴察我，知道我的心思；
试验我，知道我的意念。
看看我里面有甚么恶行没有，
引导我走永恒的道路。
(诗篇 139:23, 24)
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
(Psalm 139:23, 24)

Verse from Proverbs

谨守训诲的，乃在生命的道上；
违弃责备的，便失迷了路。
(箴言10:17)

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
(Proverbs 10:17)

Verse from Hosea

谁是智慧人？可以明白这些事；
谁是通达人？可以知道这一切。
因为，耶和华的道是正直的；
义人必在其中行走，
罪人却在其上跌倒。
(何西阿书 14:9)

Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the Lord are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them. (Hosea 14:9)

Ask God for directions because He knows the way.

Verse from Isaiah

草必枯干，花必凋谢， 唯有我们 神的道永远长存。” (以赛亚书 40:8)

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

Verse from 2 Thessalonians

愿主引导你们的心，使你们有 神的爱和基督的坚忍。
(帖撒罗尼迦后书 3:5)

May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 3:5)

God’s grace is infinite love expressing itself through infinite goodness.

Verse from 1 Timothy

不要叫人小看你年轻, 总要在言语、行为、爱心、信心和纯洁上，都作信徒的榜样。(提摩太前书 4:12)

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Psalm 19:9-10 - What is more precious and pure than gold? What is sweeter than Honey?

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:9-10)

耶 和 华 的 道 理 洁 净 ， 存 到 永 远 ； 耶 和 华 的 典 章 真 实 ， 全 然 公 义 ─ 都 比 金 子 可 羡 慕 ， 且 比 极 多 的 精 金 可 羡 慕 ； 比 蜜 甘 甜 ， 且 比 蜂 房 下 滴 的 蜜 甘 甜 。(詩 篇 19:9-10)

 Obedience to God’s Word is the Christian’s greatest freedom.

John 4:39 - Is a Faith Worth Sharing

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:39)

那 城 里 有 好 些 撒 玛 利 亚 人 信 了 耶 稣 ， 因 为 那 妇 人 作 见 证 说 ： 「 他 将 我 素 来 所 行 的 一 切 事 都 给 我 说 出 来 了 。 」 (約 翰 福 音 4:39)

A faith worth having is a faith worth sharing.

Deuteronomy 15:8 - "freely lend them whatever they need."

Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. (Deuteronomy 15:8)

总 要 向 他 松 开 手 ， 照 他 所 缺 乏 的 借 给 他 ， 补 他 的 不 足 。(申 命 記 15:8)

You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. 

Ephesians 2: Made Alive in Christ

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:1-2)

你们因着自己的过犯和罪孽，原是死的； 在其中，你们从前行事为人，是顺着这世界的潮流，顺着那空中势力的掌权者，就是现今在那些不信从的儿女里面做工的灵。
(以弗所书 2:1-2)

As we walk in God's power and spend time in His word, He gives us the strength to live according to kingdom values and not the spirit of the age.

The Lord's Prayer (verses from Matthew)

所以，你们祷告要这样说：
我们在天上的父
愿人都尊你的名为圣.
愿你的国降临
愿你的旨意行在地上,
如同行在天上。
我们日用的饮食,
今日赐给我们。
免我们的债，
如同我们免了人的债。
不叫我们遇见试探；
救我们脱离凶恶 。
因为国度、权柄、荣耀，全是你的，直到永远。阿们！
(马太福音 6:9-13)
"Pray, then, in this way:
Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] (Matthew 6:9-13)

Verse from Colossians

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
所以，你们既然是 神所拣选的，是圣洁、蒙爱的人，就要存怜悯的心肠、恩慈、谦卑、温柔和忍耐。 (歌罗西书 3:12)
Each day is an opportunity to leave a testimony worthy of our faith.