Verse from Jonah

我就思念耶和华；我的祷告直达你面前， 

约拿书 2:7

I remembered the LORD, And my prayer came to You, 

Jonah 2:7

The Puritan prayer “The Valley of Vision” speaks of the distance between a sinful man and his holy God. The man says to God, “Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision . . . ; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.” Aware of his wrongs, the man still has hope. He continues, “Stars can be seen from the deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine.” Finally, the poem ends with a request: “Let me find Thy light in my darkness, . . . Thy glory in my valley.”

Jonah found God’s glory during his time in the ocean’s depths. He rebelled against God and ended up in a fish’s stomach, overcome by his sin. There, Jonah cried to God: “You cast me into the deep . . . . The waters surrounded me, even to my soul” (Jonah 2:3,5 nkjv). Despite his situation, Jonah said, “I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you” (v. 7). God heard his prayer and caused the fish to free him.

Although sin creates distance between God and us, we can look up from the lowest points in our lives and see Him—His holiness, goodness, and grace. If we turn away from our sin and confess it to God, He will forgive us. God answers prayers from the valley.

Lord, 

in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, 

and the deeper the wells the brighter Your stars shine; 

let me find Your light in my darkness.

The darkness of sin only makes the light of God’s grace shine brighter.

Verse from Isaiah

“白天太阳必不再作你的光，晚上月亮也必不再发光照耀你，耶和华却要作你永远的光，你的神要作你的荣耀。”

以赛亚书 60:19

“"No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory.”

Isaiah 60:19

Throughout Scripture, light and glory are used to describe the coming of the Lord. A time is coming when the sun and moon will be unnecessary (Isa. 60:19). And in describing God on His throne, the apostle John wrote, “The one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne” (Rev. 4:3).

The glory of His coming is what we are going to witness when He comes back for us. 

The question is are we ready for Him? 

And what are we doing to prepare ourselves for His arrival?

Verse from Philippians

“然而我认为必须差以巴弗提到你们那里去，他是我的弟兄，与我一同作工一同作战的，也是你们为我的需要差来服事我的。”

腓立比书 2:25

“But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;”

Philippians 2:25

Many charities that help people with various needs depend on donations of unwanted clothing and household items from those who have more than enough. And it’s good to give away unused things so they can benefit others. But we are often more reluctant to part with things of value that we use every day.

When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he needed continuing encouragement and the companionship of trusted friends. Yet he sent two of his closest comrades to help the followers of Jesus in Philippi (Phil. 2:19-30). “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . . I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (vv. 19-20). And, “I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs” (v. 25). Paul freely gave to others what he most needed himself.

Whatever we feel is “most valued” in our lives today could be of great benefit to someone we know. It may be our time, friendship, encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand. When we give away what the Lord has given to us, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed. 

Giving freely honors the Lord, helps others, and blesses us.

Verse from Proverbs

“义人关注穷人的冤情；恶人却不分辨实情。”

箴言 29:7

“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.”

Proverbs 29:7

The year was 1780, and Robert Raikes had a burden for the poor, illiterate children in his London neighborhood. He noticed that nothing was being done to help these children, so he set out to make a difference.

He hired some women to set up schools for them on Sunday. Using the Bible as their textbook, the teachers taught the poorest children of London to read and introduced them to the wisdom of the Bible. Soon about 100 children were attending these classes and enjoying lunch in a safe, clean environment. These “Sunday schools,” as they were soon called, eventually touched the lives of thousands of boys and girls. By 1831, Sunday schools in Great Britain reached more than a million children—all because one man understood this truth: “The righteous considers the cause of the poor” (Prov. 29:7 nkjv).

It’s no secret that Jesus cares greatly for those who struggle. In Matthew 25, He suggests that followers of Christ show a readiness for the Lord’s return by helping the hungry to get food, helping the thirsty to get a drink, helping the homeless to find a home, helping the naked to get clothes, and helping the sick or imprisoned to receive comfort (vv. 35-36).

As we bear witness that Christ is in our hearts, we honor our compassionate Savior by considering those on God’s heart.

Awaken my heart, 

Lord, 

to those You care about, including the poor and helpless, 

the hungry and homeless, 

the troubled and hopeless in our world.

Open your heart to God to learn compassion, and open your hand to give help.

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“如果有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已经过去，你看，都变成新的了！”

哥林多后书 5:17

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

The early Christians saw Paul, their fiery persecutor—a riveting example of what it means to become a new creation (Acts 9:1-22). Paul, original name as Saul, persecuted the early Christians, but an encounter with Jesus changed him drastically, from persecuting the early Christians to proclaiming about Jesus. What great hope this life is to those who think themselves beyond redemption!

Jesus sought Paul and us. And He continues today to reach the “unreachable” and model for us just how we can reach people too. 

No one is beyond the reach of God.

Verse from Philippians

“我并不是因为缺乏才这样说：我已经学会了，无论在甚么情况之下都可以知足。”

腓立比书 4:11

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)

Do we have these kind of questions that we have to answer in our lives: Is my performance is not up to par? Is my weight at where it should be? Is my current status at work enough? Is my current financial status enough? Do I own enough possessions to feel secure? 

When can we say we have enough and start to not desire for more? 

It's even easier to slip into recognizing what we don't have financially and then pursue that. But before money, possessions, health, or any other thing can be truly enjoyed, we first have to learn that contentment is not based on our circumstances but our salvation.

Help us, Lord, to learn contentment when life is rough. 

Protect us from believing the lie that

having more will bring us happiness. May we be content with what You have given.

Verse from Psalms

“你要等候耶和华，要刚强，要坚定你的心，要等候耶和华。”

诗篇 27:14

“Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.”

Psalms 27:14

American swimmer Dara Torres had a remarkable career, appearing in five different Olympics from 1984 to 2008. Late in her career, Torres broke the US record for the 50-meter freestyle—25 years after she herself set that record. But it wasn’t always medals and records. Torres also encountered obstacles in her athletic career: injuries, surgery, as well as being almost twice the age of most other competitors. She said, “I've wanted to win at everything, every day, since I was a kid. . . . I’m also aware that setbacks have an upside; they fuel new dreams.”

“Setbacks have an upside” is a great life lesson. Torres’s struggles motivated her to reach for new heights. They have a spiritual benefit too. As James said, “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

Adopting this perspective on the difficulties of life is not easy, but it is worthwhile. Trials provide opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. They also provide the opening to learn lessons that success cannot teach by developing in us the kind of patience that waits on God and trusts Him for the strength to endure.

The psalmist reminds us, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps. 27:14).

In my times of trial, 

dear Lord, 

teach me to wait for You. 

But please teach me even more to trust the love You have for me. 

And as I do, 

may I learn Your wisdom and have the patience to endure.

The setbacks of life can teach us to wait upon the Lord for His help and strength.

Verse from 1John

“我们爱，因为神先爱我们。”

约翰壹书 4:19

“We love, because He first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

In the Song of Solomon the bride describes her lover. His love is better than wine and more fragrant than ointments. His name is sweeter than anything in this world. So she concludes that it’s no wonder he is loved.

But there is Someone far greater than any earthly loved one, Someone whose love is also better than wine. His love satisfies our every need. His “fragrance” is better than any perfume because when He gave Himself for us, His sacrifice became a sweet-smelling aroma to God (Eph. 5:2). Finally, His name is above every name (Phil. 2:9). No wonder we love Him!

It is a privilege to love Jesus. It is the best experience in life! Do we take the time to tell Him so? Do we express with words the beauty of our Savior? If we show His beauty with our lives, others will say, “No wonder you love Him!”

Lord, 

You are beautiful! 

No wonder we love You! 

Deepen our love for You today, we pray. 

Help us see Your beauty in new ways.

God’s Word tells us of His love; our words tell Him of our love.

Verse from 1 Peter

“你们要谨守、警醒。你们的仇敌魔鬼，好象吼叫的狮子走来走去，寻找可以吞吃的人；你们要用坚强的信心抵挡他，因为知道你们在世上的弟兄，也经历过同样的苦难。”

彼得前书 5:8-9

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”

1 Peter 5:8-9

Satan dangles temptation, like a fishhook, right in front of us. It looks tasty. It promises gratification. But Satan’s power ends there. He cannot force us to take the hook. His power stops at the edge of our will—at our decision point. When we are warned by the Holy Spirit and decide to say no, Satan can do no more. James says he runs away (4:7).

We can receive great comfort from the words of the apostle Peter, who himself experienced great temptation (Matt. 26:33-35). In later life he wrote, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion . . . . Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Father in heaven, 

thank You for the promise of Your help when we are tempted and for the truth that Satan’s power is limited. 

Give us the wisdom to recognize temptation and the humility to rely on Your Spirit for the strength to resist.

Respond to the lies of Satan with the truth of God’s Word.

Verse from Eccelesiastes

“凡有生命的，就有盼望，因为活狗比死狮更好。”

传道书 9:4

“For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.”

Ecclesiastes 9:4

Death is an excellent reminder of life, and life is a gift. Solomon said, “Anyone who is among the living has hope” (Eccl. 9:4). Life on earth gives us the chance to influence and enjoy the world around us. We can eat and drink happily and relish our relationships (vv. 7,9).

We can also enjoy our work. Solomon advised, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (v. 10). Whatever our vocation or job or role in life, we can still do things that matter, and do them well. We can encourage people, pray, and express love with sincerity each day.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Time and chance happen to them all. . . . No one knows when their hour will come” (vv. 11-12). It’s impossible to know when our lives on earth will end, but gladness and purpose can be found in this day by relying on God’s strength and depending on Jesus’ promise of eternal life (John 6:47).

This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad.

Verse from Psalms

“但是，耶和华啊！我还是倚靠你；我说：“你是我的神。””

诗篇 31:14 

“But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "You are my God."”

Psalms 31:14 

In times of grief or uncertainty, the honesty of the psalms makes them a natural place to turn. Psalm 31 was the heart-cry of David, who endured so much that he wrote, “My life is consumed by anguish” (v. 10). Compounding that grief was the pain of abandonment by his friends and neighbors (v. 11).

But David had the bedrock of faith in the one true God. “I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands” (vv. 14-15). His lament concludes with resounding encouragement and hope. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (v. 24).

Lord, 

we give You our deepest grief and pain as well as our joy. 

Thank You for Your constant love and presence no matter what today holds for us. 

You alone are faithful!

When we put our problems in God’s hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.

Insight

David was in great distress (v. 9) and in grave danger (v. 13) when he wrote Psalm 31. Because he was persecuted and threatened by powerful enemies, his close friends abandoned him (v. 11), considered him a lost cause, and left him alone to fend for himself (v. 12). Twice David affirmed his unwavering faith in God. He says in verse 6, “As for me, I trust in the Lord” and in verse 14, “But I trust in you, Lord.” Acknowledging that God has been faithful to him, David confidently committed his spirit to God and trusted Him to deliver him (v. 5). While on the cross, Jesus prayed the same prayer of trust to His Father, “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Sim Kay Tee

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“如果必须夸口，我就夸自己的弱点。”

哥林多后书 11:30

“If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.”

2 Corinthians 11:30

Reminding us of Jesus’ suffering, Peter wrote, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). While suffering comes in different forms and intensity, it is to be expected. Ours may not be as intense as that experienced by Paul, who for the sake of Christ was beaten with rods, stoned, and shipwrecked. He was attacked by bandits, and he endured hunger and thirst (2 Cor. 11:24-27). Likewise, we may not suffer like those who endure severe persecution in cultures where Christianity is not welcomed.

In some form or another, however, suffering will come our way as we deny ourselves, endure harassment, bear insults, or refuse to engage in activities that do not honor the Lord. Even exercising patience, avoiding revenge, and forgiving others in order to foster good relationships are forms of following in His steps.

Whenever we encounter suffering, may we remember what Jesus endured for us.

What have you learned about God through your trials?

The school of suffering teaches us lessons that we could learn in no other classroom.

Verse from Colossians

“以巴弗问候你们，他是你们那里的人，是基督耶稣的仆人；他祷告的时候，常常竭力为你们祈求，好使你们在神的一切旨意中完全站稳，满有坚定的信念。”

歌罗西书 4:12

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

Colossians 4:12

There is a group of people who share a strong bond of faith in Christ. One of them, a 93-year-old woman, said, “I feel like I can call any of you at 2 a.m., and I don’t even have to apologize if I feel the need for any type of assistance.” Whether the need is prayer, practical help, or someone to be there during a time of need, these friends are unconditionally committed to each other.

The same sense of commitment shines through Paul’s letter to the followers of Jesus in Colossae. Writing from prison in Rome, Paul says he is sending Tychicus and Onesimus to encourage them (Col. 4:7-9). Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus send their greetings (vv.10-11). And Epaphras is “always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (v. 12). These are bold assurances of practical help and deep-seated love.

Are you part of a “2 a.m. group”? If so, give thanks for the faithfulness of friends. If not, ask the Lord to connect you with another person with whom you can share a commitment to pray and care. Share the love of Christ with one another.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jesus

Verse from Isaiah

“耶和华说：“我的意念不是你们的意念，你们的道路也不是我的道路。”

以赛亚书 55:8 m

“"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.”

Isaiah 55:8

Why does the intoxicated driver escape an accident unharmed while his sober victim is seriously injured? Why do bad people prosper while good people suffer? How often have you been so confused by things going on in your life that you have cried out, “Doesn’t God care?”

Habakkuk struggled with this same question as he saw the distressing situation in Judah where wickedness and injustice were running rampant (Hab. 1:1-4). His confusion drove him to ask God when He would act to fix the situation. God’s reply was nothing short of perplexing.

God said that He would use the Chaldeans as the means of Judah’s correction. The Chaldeans were notorious for their cruelty (v. 7). They were bent on violence (v. 9) and worshiped nothing but their military prowess and false gods (vv. 10-11).

In moments when we don’t understand God’s ways, we need to trust His unchanging character. That’s exactly what Habakkuk did. He believed that God is a God of justice, mercy, and truth (Ps. 89:14). In the process, he learned to look at his circumstances from the framework of God’s character instead of looking at God’s character from the context of his own circumstances. He concluded, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (Hab. 3:19).

Lord, 

it is easy to let my circumstances change how I understand You. 

Help me to remember that You are good and faithful, 

even though I can’t see everything and may not understand how You are working.

Our situation may look very different from God’s point of view.

Verse from Psalms

“我的神！我的神！你为甚么离弃我？ 为甚么远离不救我，不听我呻吟的话呢？”

诗篇 22:1

“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.”

Psalms 22:1

In his book The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis records an imaginary conversation between a senior devil and a junior devil as they discuss how to properly tempt a Christian. The two devils desired to destroy the believer’s faith in God. “Be not deceived,” the senior devil says to the junior. “Our cause is never more in jeopardy than when a human . . . looks round upon a universe in which every trace of [God] seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.”

The Bible gives us many examples of people who acted with faith despite their feelings of abandonment. Abram felt that God’s promise of an heir had gone unheeded (Gen. 15:2-3). The psalmist felt ignored in his trouble (Ps. 10:1). Job’s troubles were so great that he thought God might even kill him (Job 13:15). And Jesus from the cross cried out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Yet in each instance God was shown to be faithful (Gen. 21:1-7; Ps. 10:16-18; Job 38:1–42:17; Matt. 28:9-20).

Although Satan may try to tempt you to think you are forsaken, God is always near. He never forsakes His own. “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ ” (Heb. 13:5). We may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (v. 6).

Lord, although clouds and darkness sometimes shroud me, I know that You are close by my side. Thank You.

God is always near in spite of our fears.

Verse from Psalms

“你的话是我脚前的灯，是我路上的光。”

诗篇 119:105

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

Psalms 119:105

During World War II, small compasses saved the lives of 27 sailors 300 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Waldemar Semenov, a retired merchant seaman, was serving as a junior engineer aboard the SS Alcoa Guide when a German submarine surfaced and opened fire on the ship. The ship was hit, caught fire, and began to sink. Semenov and his crew lowered compass-equipped lifeboats into the water and used the compasses to guide them toward the shipping lanes closer to shore. After three days, the men were rescued.

The psalmist reminded God’s people that His Word was a trustworthy “compass.” He likened it to a lamp. In that day, the flickering light cast by an olive oil lamp was only bright enough to show a traveler his next step. To the psalmist, God’s Word was such a lamp, providing enough light to illuminate the path for those pursuing God (Ps. 119:105). When the psalmist was wandering in the dark on a chaotic path of life, he believed that God, through the guidance of His Word, would provide direction.

When we lose our bearings in life, we can trust our God who gives His trustworthy Word as our compass, using it to lead us into deeper fellowship with Him.

God has given us His Word to help us know and follow Him.

Verse from 1 John

“孩子们，我们爱人，不要只在言语和舌头上，总要在行动和真诚上表现出来。”

约翰壹书 3:18

“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”

1 John 3:18

Jesus told about a young man who did not back his words up with action. The boy’s dad asked him to do some work in the vineyard. The son said, “I will, sir” (Matt. 21:30). But he was all talk and no action.

In commenting on this parable, Matthew Henry concluded: “Buds and blossoms are not fruit.” The buds and blossoms of our words, which breed anticipation of what we might do, are empty without the fruit of our follow-through. Jesus’ main application was to religious leaders who spoke of obedience yet refused to follow through with repentance. But the words apply to us as well. It is in following God “with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18)—not in making empty promises—that we honor our Lord and Savior.

Our actions in obeying God show Him more love, honor, and praise than any empty words we might say to try to appear good.

Dear Father, 

help us to follow through on our promises to You and to all who depend on us. 

Especially help us to do Your will and not just talk about it.

Verse from Luke

“耶稣说：“父啊，赦免他们！因为他们不知道自己所作的是甚么。”士兵抽签，分了他的衣服。”

路加福音 23:34

But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.”

Luke 23:34

Although Jesus didn’t go off to war to defeat an earthly foe, He did go to the cross to defeat the ultimate enemy—sin and death. Jesus came to earth to demonstrate God’s love in action and to die a horrendous death so that we could be forgiven of our sins. And He was even prepared to forgive the men who flogged and crucified Him (Luke 23:34). He conquered death by His resurrection and now we can become part of God’s forever family (John 3:13-16).

Jesus showed His love through sacrificing Himself, and He forgave those who flogged and crucified Him. 

Are we willing to show our love to others through sacrificial acts of love and forgiveness? 

Sacrificial doesn't necessary means dying for others, it can also mean thinking of others above oneself, do what's beneficial and loving to others even when it doesn't benefit us or it doesn't convenience us and out of our comfort zone. 

Do we have anyone around us to forgive? Are we willing to take the extra step to forgive others though we might be deeply hurt before?

Verse from Proverbs

“傲慢只能引起争端；接受劝告的却有智慧。”

箴言 13:10

“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

Proverbs 13:10

Most fights aren’t about policy and principle, or about right and wrong; they’re almost always about pride. The wise man of Proverbs swings his axe at the root of the problem when he writes: “Pride leads to conflict” (13:10 nlt). Quarrels are fueled by pride, by needing to be right, by wanting our way, or by defending our turf or our egos.

On the other side, wisdom resides with the well-advised—those who listen and learn, those who allow themselves to be instructed. There is wisdom in those who humble themselves—those who set aside their own selfish ambition; who acknowledge the limits of their own understanding; who listen to the other person’s point of view; who allow their own ideas to be corrected. This is the wisdom from God that spreads peace wherever it goes.

Dear heavenly Father, help me as I battle pride today. 

It’s so easy to take my eyes off You and focus on myself. 

Give me a humble heart.

Humility brings wisdom.

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。”

提摩太前书 6:17

“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

1 Timothy 6:17

It is awfully easy to try to build our security around money, isn't it? But world catastrophes, economic collapses, embargoes, and natural disasters can wipe out the basis of our security if it is in earthly wealth or physical things. But if our hope is in God, we get to share the bounty of His blessings in the world around us and the assurance that what is most important in our life cannot be taken away from us.

Verse from Psalms

“我曾求问耶和华，他应允了我，救我脱离一切恐惧。”

诗篇 34:4

“I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalms 34:4

Irrational fears, or even legitimate ones, don’t need to terrify us. David lived as a fugitive, afraid of King Saul who relentlessly pursued him because he was jealous of David’s popularity with the people. David found true solace and comfort only in his relationship with God. In Psalm 34 he wrote: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (v. 4). 

Our Father in heaven is all-wise and all-loving. When fear starts to overwhelm us, we need to stop and remember that He is our God and He will always hold us up.   

When we believe that God is good, we can learn to release our fears.

Verse from Proverbs

“恶人厚颜无耻，正直人却坚定他的道路。”

箴言 21:29

“The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.”

Proverbs 21:29

When we harbor wickedness in our hearts, there are all sorts of "fronts" we have to keep up so people won't know the truth about us. 

But if righteousness is our aim, we'll try to live up to that goal with honesty. When we blow it, we'll be honest and ask forgiveness, learning from our mistakes. We won't put up a facade. 

We know that even though we're flawed, God is not through working on us yet!

Verse from Joshua

“那人回答：“不是的；我现在来是作耶和华军队的元帅。”约书亚就脸伏在地，向他下拜，对他说：“我主有甚么事要吩咐仆人呢？””

约书亚记 5:14

“He said, "No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, "What has my lord to say to his servant?"”

Joshua 5:14

An army officer may have an overall plan, but before each battle he has to receive and give out new instructions. Joshua, a leader of the Israelites, had to learn this lesson. After God’s people spent 40 years in the wilderness, God chose Joshua to lead them into the land He had promised to them.

The first stronghold they faced was the city of Jericho. Before the battle, Joshua saw the “commander of the Lord’s army” (probably the Lord Himself) standing opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. Joshua fell on his face and worshiped. In other words, he recognized God’s greatness and his own smallness. Then he asked, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Josh. 5:14). Joshua experienced victory at Jericho because he followed the Lord’s instructions.

On another occasion, however, Joshua and his people “did not inquire of the Lord” (9:14). As a result, they were deceived into making a peace treaty with the people of Gibeon, enemies in the land of Canaan. This displeased the Lord (vv. 3-26).

We too are dependent on the Lord as we face life’s struggles. He longs for us to come near to Him today in humility. And He’ll be there again for us tomorrow.

In what area do you need God’s guidance today? 

Ask God to lead the way.

Spiritual victory comes to those who humble themselves and seek God’s will.

Verse from 1 Peter

“我们主耶稣基督的父神是应当称颂的。他照着自己的大怜悯，借着耶稣基督从死人中复活，重生了我们，使我们有永活的盼望，”

彼得前书 1:3

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”

1 Peter 1:3

In 1966, U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy made an influential visit to South Africa. There he offered words of hope to opponents of apartheid in his famous “Ripple of Hope” speech at the University of Cape Town. In his speech, he declared, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

At times in this world, hope seems scarce. Yet there is an ultimate hope readily available for the follower of Christ. Peter wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

Through the certainty of Christ’s resurrection, the child of God has a hope that is more than a ripple. It is an overwhelming current of confidence in the faithfulness of the One who conquered death for us. Jesus, in His victory over death—our greatest enemy—can infuse hope into the most hopeless of situations.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Edward Mote

In Christ the hopeless find hope.

http://youtu.be/8welVgKX8Qo

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“这必朽坏的既穿上了不朽坏的，这必死的既穿上了不死的，那时，经上的话就应验了：“胜利了！死亡已经被吞灭。”

哥林多前书 15:54

“But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15:54

The apostle Paul was no stranger to life-threatening situations. He was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked as he sought to take the good news of Jesus Christ to people. He knew that someday he would die, but he never considered that to be the end of the story. Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Corinth, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’ ” (1 Cor. 15:54). The passion of Paul’s life was telling others that Jesus our Savior gave His life on the cross so that through faith in Him we can receive forgiveness for all our sins and have eternal life.

We are not like the movie hero who always escapes certain death. The day will come when our earthly lives will end either by death or Christ’s return. But by God’s grace and mercy, the story of your life and mine is “to be continued.”

In life and death, Christ is our hope.

Verse from Ephesians

“要凭着爱心行事，好象基督爱我们，为我们舍己，当作馨香的供品和祭物献给神。”

以弗所书 5:2

“and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

Ephesians 5:2

“Love Locks” is a growing phenomenon. Thousands of people in love have attached these love padlocks to bridges, gates, and fences around the world, including France, China, Austria, Czech Republic, Serbia, Spain, Mexico, and Northern Ireland. Couples engrave their names on a padlock and then attach it in a public place to symbolize their everlasting love. Authorities of some landmarks frown upon them because of the danger they can cause if too many are attached. Some think they are acts of vandalism, while others view them as beautiful art and a picture of committed love.

The Lord showed us true “everlasting love” in a public place. He displayed His love on the cross when He gave His life to provide forgiveness of sin. And He continues to show us His love on a daily basis. Salvation is not only a promise that we’ll have eternity with God, but it is also a daily experience of forgiveness, assurance, provision, and grace in our relationship with Him. Jesus’ love for us is the basis of Paul’s challenge to “walk in the way of love” toward others (Eph. 5:2).

The love of our Father enables us to be patient and kind. In His Son He has given us the ultimate example and means of loving one another—forever.   

Verse from Mark

“骆驼穿过针眼，比有钱的人进神的国还容易呢！””

马可福音 10:25

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.””

Mark 10:25

It is so easy to think of ourselves as average people who are not rich. But bottom line, if we have access to a computer to read e-mail, we're richer than most of the world. 

Let's not let our "stuff" get in the way of our faith and compassion. God wants to help our camels get through the eye of the needle. He will, if we remember that what we have is a gift from Him, and that He intends for us to use it to bless others and honor Him.

Verse from 1 John

“我们若说自己没有罪，就是自欺，真理就不在我们里面了。”

约翰壹书 1:8

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

1 John 1:8

Dr. Brian Goldman obsessively tried to be perfect in treating his patients. But on a nationally broadcast show he admitted to mistakes he had made. He revealed that he had treated a woman in the emergency room and then made the decision to discharge her. Later that day a nurse asked him, “Do you remember that patient you sent home? Well, she’s back.” The patient had been readmitted to the hospital and then died. This devastated him. He tried even harder to be perfect, only to learn the obvious: Perfection is impossible.

As Christians, we may harbor unrealistic expectations of perfection for ourselves. But even if we can somehow manage the appearance of a flawless life, our thoughts and motives are never completely pure.

John the disciple wrote, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). The remedy is not to hide our sins and to strive harder, but to step into the light of God’s truth and confess them. “If we walk in the light,” said John, “as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (v. 7).

In medicine, Dr. Goldman proposes the idea of a “redefined physician” who—in a culture where we are hesitant to admit our errors—no longer toils under the tyranny of perfection. Such a physician openly shares mistakes and supports colleagues who do the same, with a goal of reducing mistakes.

What if Christians were known not for hiding their sins but for loving and supporting each other with the truth and grace of our God? What if we practiced a risky yet healthy honesty with each other and with the watching world?

Father, 

it’s so difficult for us to share our faults with each other, but You call us to wholeness as Your people. Empower us by Your Spirit to live courageously in love and honesty.

Honesty with God about our sin brings forgiveness.

Verse from Psalm

“如果不是耶和华建造房屋， 建造的人就徒然劳苦； 如果不是耶和华看守城池， 看守的人就徒然警醒。”

诗篇 127:1

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”

Psalm 127:1

Two workmen were asked what they were building together. One said he was building a garage. The other replied that he was building a cathedral. A day later there was only one man laying bricks. When asked where the second was, the first replied, “Oh, he got fired. He insisted on building a cathedral instead of a garage.”

Something similar happened on the ancient worksite of Babel. A group of people decided they would build a city and a tower that would reach to the heavens and unite their world (Gen. 11:4). But God didn’t want them working on a grand, self-centered plan based on the idea that they could rise to the heights of God and solve all of their own problems. So He came down, stopped the project, scattered the people “over all the earth,” and gave them different languages (vv. 8-9).

God wanted people to see Him as the solution to their problems, and He revealed His plan for them to Abraham (12:1-3). Through the faith of Abraham and his descendants, He would show the world how to look for a city “whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:8-10).

Our faith does not rise out of our own dreams and solutions. The foundation of faith is in God alone and what He can do in and through us.

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“如果一个肢体受苦，所有的肢体就一同受苦；如果一个肢体得荣耀，所有的肢体就一同快乐。”

哥林多前书 12:26 

“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

1 Corinthians 12:26 

After owning and working at his dental lab for 50 years, Dave Bowman planned to retire and take it easy. Diabetes and heart surgery confirmed his decision. But when he heard about a group of young refugees from Sudan who needed help, he made a life-changing decision. He agreed to sponsor five of them.

As Dave learned more about these young Sudanese men, he discovered that they had never been to a doctor or a dentist. Then one day in church someone mentioned the verse, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Cor. 12:26). He couldn’t get the verse out of his mind. Sudanese Christians were suffering because they needed medical care, and Dave sensed that God was telling him to do something about it. But what?

Despite his age and bad health, Dave began exploring the possibility of building a medical center in Sudan. Little by little, God brought together the people and the resources, and in 2008 Memorial Christian Hospital opened its doors to patients. Since then, hundreds of sick and injured people have been treated there.

Memorial Christian Hospital stands as a reminder that God cares when people suffer. And often He works through people like us to share His care—even when we think our work is done. We can serve Him at any age, it doesn't matter what stage of life we are at.

Do you see a need that God may be calling you to meet? Pray and ask Him to help you step out in faith.

God cares when people suffer.