Verse from Matthew

“所以不要怕，你们比许多麻雀贵重得多呢。”

马太福音 10:31

“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10:31

In his book On the Wing, Alan Tennant chronicles his efforts to track the migration of the peregrine falcon. Valued for their beauty, swiftness, and power, these amazing birds of prey were favorite hunting companions of emperors and nobility. Sadly, the wide use of the pesticide DDT in the 1950s interfered with their reproductive cycle and placed them on the endangered species list. 

Interested in the recovery of this species, Tennant attached transmitters to a select number of falcons to track their migration patterns. But when he and his pilot flew their Cessna behind the birds, they repeatedly lost signal from the transmitters. Despite their advanced technology, they were not always able to track the birds they wanted to help. 

It’s good to know that the God who cares for us never loses track of us. In fact, Jesus said that not even one sparrow “will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. . . . So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:29-31). 

When we face difficult circumstances, fear may cause us to wonder if God is aware of our situation. Jesus’ teaching assures us that God cares deeply and is in control. His tracking of our lives will never fail.

If God cares for birds, will He not care for His children?

Verse from Psalms

“耶和华啊！你已经看见了，求你不要缄默；主啊！求你不要远离我。我的神，我的主啊！求你激动醒起，为我伸冤辩护。”

诗篇 35:22-23

“You have seen it, O LORD, do not keep silent; O Lord, do not be far from me. Stir up Yourself, and awake to my right And to my cause, my God and my Lord.”

Psalms 35:22-23

God sometimes seems to be distant and not to be listening to us. Think of the hundreds of years Israel was in bondage praying for God's promised Deliverer. "Isn't God listening?" they must have repeatedly wondered. 

Yet at the right time, God sent his Son and brought deliverance. Thankfully, God doesn't ask us to pretend that everything is okay when it isn't. He filled the Psalms with cries for deliverance and help. 

You may find yourself in a position where these words are yours. If you are, realize that thousands of Today's Verse participants are praying today for God's immediate and powerful deliverance of you.

Verse from Matthew

“王要回答他们：‘我实在告诉你们，你们所作的，只要是作在我一个最小的弟兄身上，就是作在我的身上了。’”

马太福音 25:40

““The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Matthew 25:40

The room was splashed with an assortment of enchanting colors as women in beautiful saris scurried around, completing the final touches for a fundraising event. Formerly from India, these women now live in the USA. Yet they remain concerned for their native country. Upon hearing about the financial situation of a Christian school for autistic children in India, they not only heard the need, but they also took it to heart and responded.

Nehemiah did not allow his comfortable position in life as cupbearer and confidant to the most powerful man at that time to nullify his concerns for his countrymen. He talked to people who had just come from Jerusalem to find out the condition of the city and its citizens (Neh. 1:2). He learned that “those who survived the exile . . . are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (v. 3).

Nehemiah’s heart broke. He mourned, fasted, and prayed, asking God to do something about the terrible conditions (v. 4). God enabled Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to lead the rebuilding effort (2:1-8).

Nehemiah accomplished great things for his people because he asked great things of a great God and relied on Him. May God open our eyes to the needs of those around us, and may He help us to become passionate and creative problem-solvers who bless others.

Verse from Psalm

“我要永远住在你的帐棚里，投靠在你翅膀下的隐密处。”

诗篇 61:4

“I long to dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.”

Psalm 61:4

Homeless people in Vancouver, British Columbia, have a new way to find nighttime accommodations. A local charity, RainCity Housing, has created specialized benches that convert into temporary shelters. The back of the bench pulls up to create a roof that can shield a person from wind and rain. At night, these sleeping spaces are easy to find because they feature a glow-in-the-dark message that reads: THIS IS A BEDROOM. 

The need for shelter can be physical, and it can be spiritual as well. God is a refuge for our souls when we are troubled. King David wrote, “I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Ps. 61:2). 

When we’re emotionally overloaded, we are more vulnerable to the Enemy’s tactics—fear, guilt, and lust are a few of his favorites. We need a source of stability and safety. 

If we take refuge in God, we can have victory over the Enemy as he tries to influence our hearts and minds. “You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe,” David said to the Lord. “I long to . . . take refuge in the shelter of your wings” (vv. 3-4). 

When we are overwhelmed, peace and protection are ours through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. “In me you may have peace,” Jesus said. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

God is our refuge

Verse from Psalm

“耶和华亲近心中破碎的人，拯救灵里痛悔的人，”

诗篇 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18

While many of us are richly blessed spiritually and physically, many of God's people face hardship and difficulty. 

You may be one of those in difficult circumstances. Please remember that God has not abandoned you. Jesus is the great reminder that God cares and involves Himself with the broken, forgotten, and downtrodden. 

There are people out there praying for you, so don't give up. God will never forsake nor abandon you. 

Verse from Galatians

“但到了时机成熟，神就差遣他的儿子...

加拉太书 4:4

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son...

Galatians 4:4

O. Henry’s classic tale “The Gift of the Magi” tells of Jim and Della, a young married couple who are struggling financially. As Christmas approaches they want to give special gifts to each other, but their lack of money drives them to drastic measures. Jim’s prized possession is a gold watch, while Della’s is her long, beautiful hair. So Jim sells his watch in order to buy combs for Della’s hair, while Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch.

The story has deservedly become beloved, for it reminds us that sacrifice is at the heart of true love, and sacrifice is love’s truest measure. This idea is particularly appropriate for Christmas, because sacrifice is the heartbeat of the story of the birth of Christ. Jesus Christ was born to die, and He was born to die for us. That is why the angel told Joseph, “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

Long before Christ’s birth, it had been determined that He would come to rescue us from our fallenness—which means that we can never fully appreciate the manger unless we see it in the shadow of the cross. Christmas is completely about Christ’s love, seen most clearly in His sacrifice for us.

The essential fact of Christianity is that God thought all humanity worth the sacrifice of His Son. William Barclay

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“感谢神，他的恩赐难以形容。”

哥林多后书 9:15

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

2 Corinthians 9:15 

When we give a fragile gift, we make sure it is marked on the box that contains it. The word fragile is written with big letters because we don’t want anyone to damage what is inside. 

God’s gift to us came in the most fragile package: a baby. Sometimes we imagine Christmas day as a beautiful scene on a postcard, but any mother can tell you it wasn’t so. 

Mary was tired, probably insecure. It was her first child, and He was born in the most unsanitary conditions. She “wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7 nkjv). 

A baby needs constant care. Babies cry, eat, sleep, and depend on their caregivers. They cannot make decisions. In Mary’s day, infant mortality was high, and mothers often died in childbirth. 

Why did God choose such a fragile way to send His Son to earth? Because Jesus had to be like us in order to save us. God’s greatest gift came in the fragile body of a baby, but God took the risk because He loves us. 

Let us be thankful today for such a gift!

Verse from 1 Timothy

“敬虔的奥秘真伟大啊，这是众人所公认的...

提摩太前书 3:16

“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great...

1 Timothy 3:16

As Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol begins, there is mystery surrounding Ebenezer Scrooge. Why is he so mean-spirited? How did he become so selfish? Then, slowly, as the Christmas spirits marched Scrooge through his own story, things become clearer. We see the influences that changed him from a happy youth into a selfish miser. We observe his isolation and his brokenness. As the mystery is solved, we also glimpse the path to restoration. Concern for others pulls Scrooge from his self-absorbed darkness into a new joy.

A far more important mystery, and one much harder to explain, is that which Paul spoke of in 1 Timothy 3:16: “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” Extraordinary! God “appeared in the flesh.”

The mystery of Christmas is how God could become man while remaining fully God. It defies human explanation, but in the perfect wisdom of God, it was the plan of the ages.

“What child is this?” He is Jesus Christ—God revealed in the flesh.

God made His home with us so that we might make our home with Him.

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。”

约翰福音 3:16

“"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

The best gift of Christmas—the good news that Jesus is for everyone. The point was proven when the first invitation sent by angel choirs was to shepherds on the bottom rung of the social ladder. 

The news was underscored further when the VIPs—the wealthy and powerful Magi—followed the star to come and worship the Christ-child. 

After Jesus began His ministry, an influential member of the Jewish ruling council came to Him at night. In the course of their conversation, Jesus invited “whoever believes” to come to Him. 

The simple act of faith in Christ grants eternal life to those who trust in Him (John 3:16). If Jesus were just for the poor and marginalized, or only for the famous and fortunate, many of us would not qualify. 

But Christ is for everyone, regardless of status, financial situation, or social standing. He is the only gift truly fit for all.

God’s gift to a dying world is the life-giving Savior.

Verse from Luke

“因为这些人都是把自己剩余的投进去作奉献，这寡妇是自己不足，却把所有养生的都投进去了。””

路加福音 21:4

“All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.””

Luke 21:4

“The Little Drummer Boy” is a popular Christmas song written in 1941. It was originally known as “Carol of the Drum” and is based on a traditional Czech carol. 

Although there isn’t any reference to a drummer boy in the Christmas story in Matthew 1–2 and Luke 2, the point of the carol goes straight to the heart of the meaning of worship. 

The carol describes how a boy is summoned by the Magi to the scene of Christ’s birth. Unlike the wise men, however, the drummer has no gift—so he gives what he has. He plays his drum, saying, “I played my best for Him.” 

This echoes the worship Jesus described when He told of the widow and her two coins: “ ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on’ ” (Luke 21:3-4). 

All the drummer boy had was his drum and all the poor widow had were her two coins, but the God they worshiped was worthy of their all. He is worthy of our all as well, having given His all for us.

Your little is a lot when you give your all.

Verse from John

“因为我从天上降下来，不是要行自己的意思，而是要行那差我来者的旨意。”

约翰福音 6:38

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

John 6:38

Approaching the first Christmas after her husband died, Davidene wrote a remarkable letter in which she pictured what it might have been like in heaven when Jesus was born on earth. “It was what God always knew would happen,” she wrote. “The three were one, and He had agreed to allow the fracturing of His precious unity for our sake. Heaven was left empty of God the Son.”

As Jesus taught and healed people on earth, He said, “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. . . . For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:38,40).

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, it was the beginning of His mission on earth to demonstrate God’s love and give His life on the cross to free us from the penalty and power of sin.

“I cannot imagine actually choosing to let go of the one I loved, with whom I was one, for the sake of anyone else,” Davidene concluded. “But God did. He faced a house much emptier than mine, so that I could live in His house with Him forever.”

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).

The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God.

Verse from Psalms

“求你使我们早晨饱尝你的慈爱，好使我们一生一世欢呼喜乐。”

诗篇 90:14

“O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Psalms 90:14

What's the secret of having a good day? How about waking up and recognizing that we begin each day just as we ended the previous one — we are in the grip of God's unfailing love.

That should make our hearts stir with love and our voices sing with joy. This song should stir God's Spirit within us and lead us to a deep and profound thanksgiving that gladdens all of our days. 

So rather than waking up tired, cranky, and dreading another day, let's begin this day with a reminder of God's grace in our daily lives and a reminder of God's promises in our hearts.

Verse from Isaiah

“那些向耶和华深藏谋略的人，有祸了！他们在暗中行事，说：“谁看见我们？谁知道我们？””

以赛亚书 29:15

“Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their work in darkness and think, “Who sees us? Who will know?””

Isaiah 29:15

Aren't we so very silly sometimes! We try to hide what we've done and what we're planning from the Lord. Of course we're only fooling ourselves. 

At first glance, God's knowing our plans and seeing our actions is threatening. But after a little time to think it through, isn't it nice that God does see everything, including our motives and thoughts? 

This insures justice will be done and our mess-ups will be evaluated in terms of our intentions, not just our failures! 

On top of that, it also means that those who plot to do us harm will have to answer to God, and we don't have to worry about "settling the score" or "getting even."

Verse from Psalms

“但对你来说，黑暗也不算是黑暗，黑夜必如同白昼一样发亮，黑暗和光明，在你看来都是一样的。”

诗篇 139:12

“Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.”

Psalms 139:12

“Where can I flee from your presence?” David asked God (Ps. 139:7). David took this as an immense comfort. “If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me,” he noted. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you” (vv. 9-12).

Lost in darkness? Grieving, fearful, guilty, doubting, discouraged? Not sure of God? The darkness is not dark to Him. Though unseen, He is at hand. He has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Reach out your hand for His. He is there.

Lord, 

You promised never to leave us or forsake us. 

We know Your word is true, 

but so often we see the obstacles and the challenges and lose sight of You. 

Help us today to see more of You and less of our problems.

Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence.

Verse from Matthew

“你们所有劳苦担重担的人哪，到我这里来吧！我必使你们得安息。”

马太福音 11:28

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

Christ came so that all who labor under the weight of a law that can never be fulfilled might find rest through the forgiveness Christ offers. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). In a world that is too much for us to bear alone, Christ has come to bring us into a relationship with Him and give us rest.

What burdens would you like the Lord to carry for you? Ask Him today.

Verse from Exodus

““不可妄称耶和华你神的名，因为妄称耶和华的名的，耶和华必不以他为无罪。”

出埃及记 20:7

“"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.”

Exodus 20:7

We may think this only refers to attaching God’s name to a swear word or using His name flippantly or irreverently. 

When we reject the advice of others and say, “God told me to go this way,” We misuse His name if all we are doing is seeking approval for our own desires.

When we use Scripture out of context to try to support an idea we want to be true, we are using God’s name in vain.

When we teach, write, or speak from Scripture carelessly, we misuse His name.

Author John Piper offers this reflection on what it means to take God’s name in vain: “The idea is . . . ‘don’t empty the name.’ . . . Don’t empty God of His weight and glory.” We misuse His name, Piper says, when we “speak of God in a way that empties Him of His significance.”

The challenge is to honor God’s name and to pay closer attention to using His Word carefully and accurately. Anything less dishonors Him.

God’s name: handle with care.

Verse from Numbers

“... 指定他们各人当办的和当抬的工作...”

民数记 4:19

“... assign to each man his work and what he is to carry.”

Numbers 4:19

During Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, three clans from the priestly tribe of Levi—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—were assigned the job of transporting the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle). They put it up, took it down, and carried it to the next place, then repeated the process again and again. Their job description was simple: “Carry the things assigned to you” (see Num. 4:32). 

There is a wonder if these “custodians” ever envied the “clergymen” who offered sacrifices and incense using the holy articles in the sanctuary (vv. 4-5,15). That job must have looked much easier and more prestigious. But both assignments were important and came from the Lord. 

Many times we don’t get to select the work we do. But all of us can choose our attitude toward the tasks we’re given. How we do the job God gives us is the measure of our service to Him.

Father in heaven, 

our work in life often causes us to wonder if we are accomplishing anything worthwhile. 

Give us eyes to see the importance of the tasks You have given us so that we may honor You by the way we do them.

Humble work becomes holy work when it’s done for God.

Verse from Psalms

“凡有气息的，都要赞美耶和华。你们要赞美耶和华。”

诗篇 150:6

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!”

Psalms 150:6

Many experience 'Monday blues' when it comes to Monday, not feeling that there is anything that is worthy to give thanks about.

How about finding simple things such as being able to wake up safely in the morning? Having your loved ones still around? Having eyes to see, ears to hear? Having friends who truly care for you still around you, within reach of a phone call, a text, whatsapp or Facebook messenger? 

How do you then praise God and give thanks to Him? In Psalm 150, the psalmist invites “everything that has breath” to celebrate and praise the Lord in many different ways. He suggests that we use trumpets and harps, stringed instruments and pipes, cymbals and dancing. He encourages us to creatively and passionately celebrate, honor, and adore the Lord.

He is worthy of all praise. These outward expressions of praise will come from an inner wellspring overflowing with gratitude to God. We can celebrate the Lord in different ways, expressive and meaningful.

How has this psalm challenged you to be more expressive in your praise to God? Spend some time thinking about what He has done in your life. Then give Him your praise.

Praise is the song of a soul set free.

Verse from Hebrews

“因为他献上了一次的祭，就使那些成圣的人永远得到完全。”

希伯来书 10:14

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”

Hebrews 10:14

Christmas is the time of year when the pressure to be perfect intensifies. We imagine the perfect celebration and then put forth our best effort to make it happen. We shop for the perfect gifts. We plan the perfect Christmas Day meal. We choose the perfect greeting cards or write the perfect family letter. But our striving leads to discouragement and disappointment when our ability to imagine perfection exceeds our ability to implement it. The carefully chosen gift receives only a halfhearted thank you. Part of the meal is overcooked. We find a typo in our Christmas greeting after we’ve mailed the cards. Children fight over toys. Adults resurrect old arguments.

Instead of being discouraged, however, we can use our disappointment to remind ourselves of the reason Christmas is so important. We need Christmas because none of us is or can be all that we want to be—not for a month, a week, or even a day.

How much more meaningful our celebrations of Christ’s birth would be if we would give up our faulty concept of perfection, then focus instead on the perfection of our Savior, in whom we are made righteous (Rom. 3:22).

If your Christmas celebration this year is less than ideal, relax and let it be a reminder that the only way to be “made perfect forever” (Heb. 10:14) is to live by faith in the righteousness of Christ.

What expectations do you have for the Christmas season? 

Are they idealistic or realistic? 

Think about what you can do to focus more on Christ and the meaning of His birth.

No one is perfect, including you. Do not expect others to be perfect when you are not perfect either. 

Verse from 2 Timothy

“全部圣经都是神所默示的，在教训、责备、矫正和公义的训练各方面，都是有益的，”

提摩太后书 3:16

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”

2 Timothy 3:16

A-poe-la-pi is an elderly member of the Akha, a hill tribe people who live on the mountain ranges of Yunnan Province in China. When a group  visited him on a recent missions trip, A-poe-la-pi told them that he had missed the weekly Bible study because of heavy rains. So he implored them, “Could you share God’s Word with me?”

A-poe-la-pi can’t read, so the weekly gathering is vital to him. As they read the Bible to him, he listened intently. His earnest attitude reminded them that when they listen carefully to the story of the inspired Scriptures, they honor the Lord.

In Deuteronomy 4, Moses urged the Israelites to listen carefully to the rules and regulations he was teaching them (v. 1). He reminded them that the source and inspiration behind the teaching was none other than God Himself, who had spoken to them “out of the fire” of Sinai (v. 12). Moses said, “He declared to you his covenant . . . which he commanded you to follow” (v. 13).

May A-poe-la-pi’s hunger to hear God’s Word encourage a similar desire in us. As the apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:15-16, the inspired Scriptures have been given for our good and growth—to make us wise in the salvation and ways of God.

Lord, 

give us a hunger to hear and understand the truth of Your Word. 

Help us show Your love to others by faithfully living out its instructions for us.

To know Christ, the Living Word, is to love the Bible, the written Word.

Verse from Psalms

“求你使我清晨得闻你的慈爱，因为我倚靠你。求你指示我当走的路，因为我的心仰望你。”

诗篇 143:8

“Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul.”

Psalms 143:8

In preparing for D-Day (June 6, 1944), the Allied troops needed the sharp senses of dogs to sniff their way through minefields and to warn troops of approaching danger. And the only way to get these dogs to troops behind enemy lines was by parachute. But dogs are instinctively afraid of doing this—and let’s be honest, they are not alone. Yet after weeks of training, the dogs learned to trust their masters enough to jump at their command. 

What about us? Do any of us trust our Master enough to do challenging things we would never instinctively do or things that might make us fearful. We may not be instinctively generous or forgiving or patient with those who annoy us. Yet Jesus commands us to trust Him enough to do things that may be difficult but that will advance His kingdom. To say, “In You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk” (Ps. 143:8 nkjv). 

Paradogs often received medals for their bravery. We too will someday hear “well done” because we have trusted our Master enough to jump when He said, “Go!”

Is God asking you to do something that you are afraid to do? 

Will you trust Him to lead you and walk with you?

Verse from 1 Kings

“约沙法又对以色列王说：“现在请你先求问耶和华。””

列王纪上 22:5

“But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.””

1 Kings 22:5

This verse is from the wonderful story of Micaiah the prophet. Jehoshaphat knew not to trust the counsel of false prophets. He was adamant that before they went into battle with anyone, God's people needed to first seek the counsel of the Lord! 

This should also be our approach to life. So often we ask God to bless what we've already decided rather than spending time in prayer, fasting, and Scripture seeking our Father's will. 

Let's not rush our decisions. God has promised that He would lead us with His Spirit, let's not rush the Spirit's input, or even worse, ignore it and then ask God to bless us anyway!

Verse from Ephesians

“我们在他爱子里，借着他的血蒙了救赎，过犯得到赦免，都是按着他丰盛的恩典。”

以弗所书 1:7

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”

Ephesians 1:7

When a police officer stopped a woman because her young daughter was riding in a car without the required booster seat, he could have written her a ticket for a traffic violation. Instead, he asked the mother and daughter to meet him at a nearby store where he personally paid for the needed car seat. 

The mother was going through a difficult time and could not afford to buy a seat. Although the woman should have received a fine for her misdemeanor, she walked away with a gift instead. 

Anyone who knows Christ has experienced something similar. All of us deserve a penalty for breaking God’s laws (Eccl. 7:20). Yet, because of Jesus, we experience undeserved favor from God. This favor excuses us from the ultimate consequence for our sin, which is death and eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23). “In [Jesus] we have . . . the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7). 

Some refer to grace as “love in action.” When the young mother experienced this, she later remarked, “I will be forever grateful! . . . And as soon as I can afford it I will be paying it forward.” 

This grateful and big-hearted response to the officer’s gift is an inspiring example for those of us who have received the gift of God’s grace!

God’s gift is grace.

Verse from James

“能忍受试炼的人，是有福的；因为他经过考验之后，必得着生命的冠冕，这冠冕是主应许给爱他的人的。”

雅各书 1:12

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

James 1:12

Nobody appreciates the need to go through trials. In fact, trials in life are just plain hard to tolerate! This is especially true when we are in the middle of them. 

But we have some key spiritual reasons to persevere under trials. One of the very best reasons to hang in there when things are tough spiritually is God's promise to give us the crown of life that can't be taken away from us.

Trials help us to become more Christlike and build our faith to be stronger. 

Verse from 1 Peter

服事的，应当按着神所赐的力量服事，为要在一切事上，使神藉耶稣基督得荣耀。

彼得前书 4:11

whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, 

1 Peter 4:11

Madaleno is a bricklayer. From Monday to Thursday he builds walls and repairs roofs. He is quiet, reliable, and hardworking. Then from Friday to Sunday he goes up to the mountains to teach the Word of God. Madaleno speaks Nahuatl (a Mexican dialect), so he can easily communicate the good news of Jesus to the people in that region. At age 70, he still works with his hands building houses, but he also works to build the family of God. 

His life has been threatened several times. He has slept under the stars and faced death from car accidents and falls. He has been kicked out of towns. But he thinks that God has called him to do what he does, and he serves happily. Believing that people need to know the Lord, he relies on God for the strength he needs.

Madaleno’s faithfulness is like the faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua, two of the men Moses sent to explore the Promised Land and report back to the Israelites (Num. 13; Josh. 14:6-13). Their companions were afraid of the people who lived there, but Caleb and Joshua trusted in God and believed He would help them conquer the land. 

The work entrusted to us may be different than Madaleno’s or Caleb’s and Joshua’s. But our confidence can be the same. In reaching out to others, we rely not on ourselves but on the strength of our God.

Where has God placed you to serve? Are you being faithful?

We grow strong when we serve the Lord.

Insight

Discipleship has been called “a long obedience in the same direction.” The point is not how much we have done, but whether or not we have been faithful to our Lord. Caleb was faithful for 45 years in the wilderness. When Christ returns, our faithfulness will be rewarded when we hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).

Verse from Matthew

“约瑟睡醒了，就照着主的使者所吩咐的，把妻子迎娶过来；”

马太福音 1:24

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

Matthew 1:24 

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and then to shepherds with good news for the world (Luke 1:26-27; 2:10), was it good news to this teenage girl? Perhaps Mary was thinking: How do I explain my pregnancy to my family? Will my fiancé Joseph call off the betrothal? What will the townspeople say? Even if my life is spared, how will I survive as a mother all alone? 

When Joseph learned about Mary’s pregnancy, he was troubled. He had three options. Go ahead with the marriage, divorce her publicly and allow her to be publicly scorned, or break off the engagement quietly. Joseph chose option three, but God intervened. He told Joseph in a dream, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 1:20). 

For Mary and Joseph, Christmas began with submitting themselves to God in spite of the unthinkable emotional challenges before them. They entrusted themselves to God and in doing so demonstrated for us the promise of 1 John 2:5: “If anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.” May God’s love fill our hearts this Christmas season—and every day—as we walk with Him.

Obedience to God flows freely from a heart of love.

Verse from Luke

“今天在大卫的城里，为你们生了救主，就是主基督。”

路加福音 2:11

“for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11

Fifty years ago A Charlie Brown Christmas was first broadcast on American television. Some network executives thought it would be ignored, while others worried that quoting the Bible would offend viewers. Some wanted its creator, Charles Schulz, to omit the Christmas story, but Schulz insisted it stay in. The program was an immediate success and has been rebroadcast every year since 1965.

When Charlie Brown, the frustrated director of the children’s Christmas play, is discouraged by the commercial spirit of the holiday season, he asks if anyone can tell him the real meaning of Christmas. Linus recites Luke 2:8-14 including the words, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (vv. 11-14 kjv). Then Linus says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

During this season filled with our own doubts and dreams, it’s good to ponder afresh God’s great love expressed in the familiar story of Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus, and the angels who announced the Savior’s birth.

What's Christmas to us? Partying? Exchanging gifts? Holiday? 

Father in heaven, 

as we approach Christmas, may we grasp in a deeper way Your amazing gift to us.

Verse from Psalm

“不要因作恶的人心怀不平，不要因犯罪的人产生嫉妒。”

诗篇 37:1

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;”

Psalm 37:1

Trying to stay aware of current events has its downside because bad news sells better than good news. It’s easy to become overly concerned about the criminal acts of individuals, crowds, or governments over whom we have no control.

Psalm 37 gives perspective to the daily news. David begins by saying, “Do not fret because of those who are evil” (v. 1). Then he proceeds to outline for us some alternatives to becoming overly anxious. In essence, David suggests a better way of thinking about negative news in our world.

What would happen if, instead of worrying about events beyond our control, we chose to trust in the Lord? (v. 3). Wouldn’t we be better off to “take delight in the Lord” (v. 4) rather than fret without limits? Imagine the freedom from worry we could have if we would “commit [our] way to the Lord” (v. 5). And how calm we could be by learning to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”! (v. 7).

News of trouble we cannot change offers us an opportunity to set boundaries for our concerns. As we trust God, commit our ways to Him, and rest in Him, our outlook brightens. The struggles and trials may not disappear, but we will discover that He gives us His peace in the midst of them.

Obstacles give us the opportunity to trust God.

Verse from Proverbs

“你的仇敌跌倒的时候，你不要欢喜； 他绊倒的时候，你心里不可欢乐。”

箴言 24:17

“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,”

Proverbs 24:17

The Akan people of Ghana have a proverb: “The lizard is not as mad with the boys who threw stones at it as with the boys who stood by and rejoiced over its fate!” Rejoicing at someone’s downfall is like participating in the cause of that downfall or even wishing more evil on the person.

That was the attitude of the Ammonites who maliciously rejoiced when the temple in Jerusalem “was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile” (Ezek. 25:3). For spitefully celebrating Israel’s misfortunes, the Ammonites experienced God’s displeasure, which resulted in grim consequences (vv. 4-7).

How do we react when disaster befalls our neighbor or when our neighbor gets into trouble? If she is a nice and friendly neighbor, then, of course, we will sympathize with her and go to her aid. But what if he is an unfriendly, trouble-making neighbor? Our natural tendency may be to ignore him or even secretly rejoice at his downfall.

Proverbs warns us: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice” (24:17). Instead, Jesus tells us that we show His love in action when we “love [our] enemies and pray for those who persecute [us]” (Matt. 5:44). By so doing, we imitate the perfect love of our Lord (5:48).

Love your neighbor as yourself. It's not easy, only Jesus can help us to do so. 

Verse from Malachi

“万军之耶和华说：“在我施行作为的日子，他们要属我，作特别的产业；我必怜恤他们，好象人怜恤那服事自己的儿子一样。”

玛拉基书 3:17

““On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.”

Malachi 3:17

Early 20th-century residents of Fort Bragg, California, disposed of their trash by throwing it over a cliff and onto a nearby beach. Cans, bottles, tableware, and household garbage accumulated in huge, disgusting piles. Even when residents stopped depositing trash on the beach, it remained an embarrassment—a dump seemingly beyond reclamation.

Over the years, however, wave action broke up the glass and pottery and washed the rubbish out to sea. The pounding surf rolled and tumbled the glass fragments in the sand on the ocean floor, frosting and smoothing the surface and creating gemlike “sea glass,” which it then deposited back onto the beach. The surf created a kaleidoscopic beauty at which visitors to Glass Beach now stare in wonder.

Perhaps you feel as though your life has become a dump—a mess beyond hope. If so, you need to know that there is someone who loves you and waits to redeem and reclaim you. Give Jesus your heart and ask Him to make you pure and clean. He may tumble you a bit, and it may take time to smooth away the rough edges. But He will never give up on you. He will make you into one of His jewels!

God loves us too much to let us remain as we are.

Verse from Malachi

““从你们列祖的日子以来，你们就偏离了我的律例而不遵守。现在你们要转向我，我就必转向你们。你们还问：‘我们要怎样回转呢？’”

玛拉基书 3:7

“"From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts. "But you say, 'How shall we return?'”

Malachi 3:7

In times of horror and disaster, people routinely ask, "Where is God in all of this?" Yet we so often leave God at the periphery of our lives and look for him only when we are desperate and have no other options. 

When things are going well, we seldom say, "Where is God in all of this? Why, He's right here blessing us, day in day out, keeping us safe and sound. Have we praise Him for that? 

God wants us to turn to Him and seek after Him, in good times and in bad. Not only will we find Him; He will return to us and walk with us.

Verse from Luke

“然而不要因为鬼服了你们就欢喜，却要因为你们的名字记录在天上而欢喜。””

路加福音 10:20

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.””

Luke 10:20

In Luke 10, Jesus sent His disciples on an evangelistic mission. On their return, they happily reported their success. But Jesus told them: “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (v. 20). The focus of our joy is not merely that we are successful but that our names are inscribed in God’s book.

But how can we be sure of that? God’s Word tells us, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). 

In Revelation 21, John makes a breathtaking description of the Holy City that awaits those who trust Christ. Then he writes, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (v. 27).

The Book of Life is God’s heavenly manifest. Is your name written in it?

Have you open your heart to Him?

Verse from Psalm

“至于我，我是困苦贫穷的；主仍顾念我。你是我的帮助，我的拯救；我的神啊！求你不要耽延。”

诗篇 40:17

“But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.”

Psalm 40:17

C. S. Lewis and his older brother, Warren (Warnie), endured several terms at Wynyard, an English boarding school for boys. The headmaster was a cruel man who made life unbearable for everyone there. Decades later, Warnie wrote in his understated dry wit, “I am now sixty-four and a bit, and have never yet been in a situation in which I have not had the consolation of reflecting that at any rate I was better off than I was at Wynyard.” Most of us can recall a similar dark and difficult time in our lives and be grateful that we’re better off now than we were then.

Psalm 40:1-5 records a low point of David’s life when he cried out to the Lord who rescued him. God brought him up from “the slimy pit” and “the mud and mire” and set his feet on a rock (v. 2). “He put a new song in my mouth,” David says, “a hymn of praise to our God” (v. 3).

But deliverance from depression and despair are seldom one-time events. Psalm 40 continues with David’s renewed plea for God’s mercy, lovingkindness, and truth to deliver him from his own sin and the threats of his enemies (vv. 11-14).

Along with David, we can say at every low point, “I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer” (v. 17).

The One who holds the universe will never let you down.

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“所以人应当省察自己，然后才吃这饼，喝这杯。”

哥林多前书 11:28

“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”

1 Corinthians 11:28

Long ago, before the invention of mirrors or polished surfaces, people rarely saw themselves. Puddles of water, streams, and rivers were one of the few ways they could see their own reflection. But mirrors changed that. And the invention of cameras took fascination with our looks to a whole new level. We now have lasting images of ourselves from any given time throughout our entire life. This is good for making scrapbooks and keeping family histories, but it can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. The fun of seeing ourselves on camera can keep us focused on outward appearance and leave us with little interest in examining our inner selves.

Self-examination is crucial for a healthy spiritual life. God wants us to see ourselves so that we can be spared the consequences of sinful choices.  

Dear Lord, 

help me to be more concerned with the reflection of my heart than with my physical reflection.

Verses from Jeremiah

“耶和华这样说：“倚靠世人，恃凭肉体为自己的力量，心里偏离耶和华的， 这人该受咒诅。

但倚靠耶和华，以耶和华为他所信赖的，这人是有福的。”

耶利米书 17:5, 7

“This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”

Jeremiah 17:5, 7

When we face problems, what do we do? Who do we turn to? Is it really God most of the time or all the time? Or do we try to solve on our own first? 

How much trust do we have in the Lord? Who do we really trust in more, human or God? 

Verse from Psalm

“你们要称谢耶和华，因他本是良善的；他的慈爱永远长存。”

诗篇 118:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Psalm 118:1

“应当毫无忧虑，只要凡事借着祷告祈求，带着感恩的心，把你们所要的告诉神。”

腓立比书 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Scripture contains dozens of reminders that expressing gratitude is of primary importance in our relationship with God. Psalm 118 begins and ends with the exhortation to “give thanks to the Lord” (vv. 1, 29). We are to give thanks when we come into His presence (100:4). And the requests we bring to Him are to be wrapped in a spirit of thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6). Such an attitude of gratitude will help us remember our abundant blessings. Even in the midst of trouble and despair, God’s presence and love are our constant companions.

Lord, 

Your goodness is enough to make me thankful every day. 

Teach me to live with a thankful heart and remind me to regularly thank You for Your goodness and steadfast love.

It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Verse from John

“我要请求父，他就会赐给你们另一位保惠师，使他跟你们永远在一起。”

约翰福音 14:16

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;”

John 14:16

In every stage of life we face times of separation from those we love, sometimes because of geographical distance and sometimes because of death. However, we need to remember that even if we feel forsaken by others, God hasn’t forsaken us. He has promised to be with us always. God sent the Spirit of truth—our Advocate and Helper—to dwell with us and in us forever (John 14:15-18). We are His beloved children.

We can’t see the Spirit, but we  can feel His power as each day He encourages us and guides us as we read God’s Word. 

Let us thank God for His wonderful provision, the Spirit of Christ who is with us and in us. 

We are never alone.

Verse from Psalms

“你要等候耶和华，谨守他的道；他必高举你，使你承受地土；恶人被剪除的时候，你必看见。”

诗篇 37:34

“Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.”

Psalms 37:34

Perhaps you’ve seen the video of the little boy who learns he’s getting another sister. In the middle of his meltdown he laments, “It’s always girls, girls, girls, girls!”

The story gives an amusing glimpse into human expectations, but there’s nothing funny about disappointment. It saturates our world. One story from the Bible seems especially steeped in disappointment. Jacob agreed to work 7 years for the right to marry his boss’s daughter Rachel. But after fulfilling his contract, Jacob got a wedding night surprise. In the morning he discovered not Rachel but her sister Leah.

We focus on Jacob’s disappointment, but imagine how Leah must have felt! What hopes and dreams of hers began to die that day as she was forced to marry a man who did not love or want her? 

Psalm 37:4 tells us, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Are we to believe that God-fearing people are never disappointed? No, the psalm clearly shows that the writer sees injustice all around him. But he takes the long view: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (v. 7). His conclusion: “The meek will inherit the land” (v. 11).

In the end, it was Leah whom Jacob honored and buried in the family grave plot with Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah (Gen. 49:31). And it was through the lineage of Leah—who in life thought she was unloved—that God blessed the world with our Savior. Jesus brings justice, restores hope, and gives us an inheritance beyond our wildest dreams.

Lord, 

sometimes it’s so hard to wait patiently for good things. 

Forgive us for comparing ourselves to others and for complaining about what we don’t have. 

Help us meet You in a new way today.

Jesus is the only friend who never disappoints.

Verse from Proverbs

“义人的嘴唇培育多人，愚妄人因无知死亡。”

箴言 10:21

“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.”

Proverbs 10:21

There was a man who loves fishing observed, “Shallow streams make the most noise,” a delightful turn on the old adage, “Still waters run deep.” He meant, of course, that people who make the most noise tend to have little of substance to say.

The flip side of that problem is that we don’t listen well either. There is this line in the old Simon and Garfunkel song "Sounds of Silence" about folks hearing without listening. Oh, they hear the words, but they fail to silence their own thoughts and truly listen. It would be good if we all learned to be silent and still.

There is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Eccl. 3:7). Good silence is a listening silence, a humble silence. It leads to right hearing, right understanding, and right speaking. “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,” the proverb says, “but one who has insight draws them out” (Prov. 20:5). It takes a lot of hard listening to get all the way to the bottom.

And while we listen to others, we should also be listening to God and hearing what He has to say. Think of Jesus, scribbling with His finger in the dust while the Pharisees railed on the woman caught in adultery (see John 8:1-11). What was He doing? He could have been simply listening for His Father’s voice and asking, “What shall we say to this crowd and this dear woman?” His response is still being heard around the world.

Father, 

today may Your Spirit remind us to seek the quiet so that we may listen first to Your voice and then understand the hearts of others. 

Teach us when to speak and when to be quiet.

Well-timed silence can be more eloquent than words.

Verse from Luke

“但是最需要的只有一件，马利亚已经选择了那上好的分，是不能从她夺去的。””

路加福音 10:42

“but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."”

Luke 10:42

When Martha complained that her sister Mary wasn’t helping, Jesus defended Mary’s choice to sit at His feet. But the Lord wasn’t saying that Mary was more spiritual than her sister. On occasion Martha seems to have shown more trust in Jesus than Mary did (John 11:19-20). And He wasn’t being critical of Martha’s desire to look after their physical needs. Rather, what the Lord wanted Martha to hear is that in the busyness of our service, listening to Him is the main event.

Dear Lord, 

help me to remember that my service for You is important, 

but it can never take the place of intimate fellowship with You.

Jesus longs for our fellowship.

Verse from Deuteronomy

“你要记念耶和华你的神，因为得财富的能力是他赐给你的，为要坚定他向你的列祖起誓所立的约，像今天一样。”

申命记 8:18

“But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Deuteronomy 8:18

As we enter the month often associated with giving thanks, this reminder from Moses is an important one! 

We so easily forget to give thanks when things are going well. It's easy for us to whine and ask God to help us when we are in trouble, but we often feel like we "deserve" the good things that happen to us. 

God reminds us that what we have is simply a confirmation of His grace and His faithfulness to do what He has said. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, that the blessings we have come from His hand and not because we deserved them more than someone else.

Verse from Galatians

“我现在是要得人的欢心，还是要得　神的欢心呢？难道我想讨人欢喜吗？如果我仍然要讨人欢喜，就不是基督的仆人了。”

加拉太书 1:10

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Galatians 1:10

Peer pressure is part of everyday life. Sometimes we base our decisions on what other people will think or say rather than on our convictions and on what will please God. We’re worried that we’ll be judged or made fun of.

The apostle Paul experienced his fair share of peer pressure. Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles should be circumcised to be truly saved (Gal. 1:7; see 6:12-15). However, Paul stood his ground. He continued to preach that salvation is by grace through faith alone; no further works are required. And for that he was accused of being a self-appointed apostle. They further asserted that his version of the gospel had never received the apostles’ approval (2:1-10).

Despite the pressure, Paul was very clear about whom he served—Christ. God’s approval mattered most, not man’s. He made it his goal not to win the approval of people, but of God (1:10).

Similarly, we are Christ’s servants. We serve God whether people honor or despise us, whether they slander or praise us. One day “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Rom. 14:12). That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t consider what people think or say, but ultimately, we make pleasing God our main concern. We want to hear our Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:23).

Dear Lord, no matter what others may say or do, give me the courage to be faithful to You today.

Keep following Jesus.

Verse from Proverbs

“柔和的回答使烈怒消退， 暴戾的话激动怒气。”

箴言 15:1

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

The tragedy of war is staggering, yet our relationships and families can begin to fracture with only a few hateful words. James wrote, “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5).

On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia in response to the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie. Within 90 days, other European countries had taken sides to honor their military alliances and pursue their own ambitions. A single event escalated into World War I, one of the most destructive military conflicts of modern time.

A small comment can start a large fight. When we, by God’s grace, choose not to retaliate with our words, we honor Jesus our Savior. When He was abused and insulted, He fulfilled the prophetic words of Isaiah, “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7).

Proverbs urges us to speak the truth and seek peace through our words. “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, . . . and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (15:4,23).

A careless word may kindle strife,

A cruel word may wreck a life;

A timely word may lessen stress,

A loving word may heal and bless. —Anon.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.