Verse from Isaiah

“不要惧怕，因为我与你同在；不要四处张望，因为我是你的神，我必坚固你，我必帮助你；我必用公义的右手扶持你。”
‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' (‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬)

Sometimes humans feel entangled and react in fear to the Lord. Through the centuries, He has offered rescue and hope to people—yet we resist Him, not understanding the help He provides. In Isaiah 41, the prophet quotes the Lord as saying, “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not; I will help you’” (v.13).

As you think about your situation, how do you see God’s role? Are you afraid to turn things over to Him—for fear that He might harm you? He is good and He is near, wanting to free you from life’s entanglements. You can trust Him with your life.

In what area of your life do you need freedom? Ask the Lord to show you and to give you the faith to trust Him for His deliverance.

Faith is the best antidote for fear.

Verse from Matthew

“他解散了群众，就独自上山去祷告。到了晚上，他还是独自一人在那里。”
‭‭马太福音‬ ‭14:23‬ ‭

“After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:23‬ ‭

Jesus looked for opportunities to spend time with His heavenly Father in prayer. Some might say this was how He coped with the demands that depleted His human energy. According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus was headed to a solitary place when a crowd of people followed Him. Noticing their needs, Jesus miraculously healed and fed them. After that, however, He “went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (v. 23).

Jesus repeatedly helped multitudes of people, yet He didn’t allow Himself to become haggard and hurried. He nurtured His connection with God through prayer. How is it with you?
Will you take time alone with God to experience His strength and fulfillment?

Verse from Hebrews

“我们不可放弃聚会，好象有些人的习惯一样；却要互相劝勉。你们既然知道那日子临近，就更应该这样。”
‭‭希伯来书‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭

“not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭

Going to church and even cell group for most folks just isn't very attractive. But, that shouldn't surprise us. Doing things as an act of discipline isn't very popular. Doing things for others isn't seen as something necessary.

The Holy Spirit's message, however, reminds us that we need to go to be with God's people because they need us — to encourage and to motivate Them! In fact, the Lord would prefer us to think of it as "being" church rather than "going" to church.

Verse from Psalms

“你们要赞美耶和华。你们要称谢耶和华，因为他是美善的；他的慈爱永远长存。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭106:1‬ ‭

“Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭106:1‬ ‭

In June 2015, the city of Paris removed forty-five tons of padlocks from the railings of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. As a romantic gesture, couples would etch their initials onto a lock, attach it to the railing, click it shut, and throw the key into the River Seine.

After this ritual was repeated thousands of times, the bridge could no longer bear the weight of so much “love.” Eventually the city, fearing for the integrity of the bridge, removed the “love locks.”

The locks were meant to symbolize everlasting love, but human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences. Family members may argue and refuse to forgive. A husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can’t remember why they once decided to marry. Human love can be fickle.

But there is one constant and enduring love—the love of God. The promises of the unfailing and everlasting nature of God’s love are found throughout Scripture. And the greatest proof of this love is the death of His Son so that those who put their faith in Him can live eternally. And nothing will ever separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38–39).

Christ’s death and resurrection are the measure of God’s love for us.

Verse from 2 Peter

“我们从前把我们主耶稣基督的大能和降临的事告诉你们，并不是随从巧妙捏造传奇的故事，我们却是亲眼看见过他威荣的人。”
‭‭彼得后书‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭

“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭

Raucous laughter marked the guests in Randy's father's hospital room: Two old truck drivers, one former country/western singer, one craftsman, two women from neighboring farms, and Randy.
"...and then he got up and busted the bottle over my head," the craftsman said, finishing his story about a bar fight.

The room bursts into laughter at this now-humorous memory. Randy's dad, struggling for breath as his laughing fought with his cancer for the air in his lungs, puffs out a reminder to everybody that “Randy is a preacher" so they need to watch what they say. Everything got quiet for about two seconds, then the whole room exploded as this news makes them laugh harder and louder.

Suddenly, about forty minutes into this visit, the craftsman clears his throat, turns to Randy's dad, and gets serious. "No more drinking and bar fights for me, Howard. Those days are behind me. Now I have a different reason to live. I want to tell you about my Savior."

He then proceeded to do just that, over Howard's surprisingly mild protests. He listened and watched, and some years later believed in Jesus too.

It was a simple testimony from an old friend living a simple life, reminding Randy again that simple isn't naïve or stupid; it's direct and unpretentious.

Just like Jesus. And salvation.

Insight
Nothing hits home for people like a straightforward, unembroidered recounting of personal testimony about how Christ has changed our lives. The blind man of John 9:25 blurted out, “One thing I know. I was blind but now I see.” His healing was unarguable. There is nothing quite like the unadorned truth of testimony—“Tell it like it is.”

Verse from Galatians

“但到了时机成熟，神就差遣他的儿子，由女人所生，而且生在律法之下，”
‭‭加拉太书‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭

God is always on time. We may think He's late, but He's not. Throughout Scripture we read about people becoming impatient with God’s timing.

The Israelites waited and waited for the promised Messiah. Some gave up hope. But Simeon and Anna did not. They were in the temple daily praying and waiting (Luke 2:25–26, 37). And their faith was rewarded. They got to see the infant Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to be dedicated (vv. 27–32, 38).

When we become discouraged because God doesn't respond according to our timetable, Christmas reminds us in Galatians 4:4 that God’s timing is always perfect, and it is worth the wait.

Heavenly Father,
I confess that I become impatient and discouraged,
wanting answers to prayer in my own time and on my schedule.
Help me to wait patiently for Your timing in all things.

God’s timing is always right—wait patiently for 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 ‭

On the final day of a Christian publishing conference in Singapore, 280 participants from 50 countries gathered in the outdoor plaza of a hotel for a group photo. From the second-floor balcony, the photographer took many shots from different angles before finally saying, “We’re through.” A voice from the crowd shouted with relief, “Well, joy to the world!” Immediately, someone replied by singing, “The Lord is come.” Others began to join in. Soon the entire group was singing the familiar carol in beautiful harmony. It was a moving display of unity and joy.

In Luke’s account of the Christmas story, an angel announced the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds saying, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”

Father,
give us eyes to see people of all nations as recipients of Your grace and joy.i

The good news of Jesus’s birth is a source of joy for all people.

Verse from Mark

“你们站着祷告的时候，如果有谁得罪了你们，就该饶恕他，好使你们的天父也饶恕你们的过犯。””
‭‭马可福音‬ ‭11:25‬ ‭

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

To many, this might be one of the most challenging reminders of God's will in Scripture. When we refuse, it cuts us off the stream of forgiveness that God so longs to give to us.

While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded us to do it, He has also given us His Son as an example of forgiveness. In addition, He has promised to empower us to be able to do His will by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The real issue: Will we let go of our bitterness toward those who have wounded us?

Verse from Psalms

“我的心哪！你要称颂耶和华；不可忘记他的一切恩惠。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭103:2‬ ‭

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:2‬

One year, those responsible for decorating their church for Christmas decided to use the theme of “Christmas lists.” Instead of decorating with the usual shiny gold and silver ornaments, they gave each person a red or green tag. On one side they were to write down the gift they would like from Jesus, and on the other they were to list the gift they would give to the One whose birth they were celebrating.

If you were to do this, what gift would you ask for and what would you offer?

The most important gift we can ever receive is God’s gift of His Son, our Savior, and with Him forgiveness, restoration, and the promise of spiritual life that begins now and lasts forever. And the most important gift we can ever give is to give Jesus our heart.

If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet what can I give Him—give Him my heart. Christina G. Rossetti

Verse from 1 Peter

“只要心里尊基督为圣，以他为主；常常作好准备，去回答那些问你们为甚么怀有盼望的人，”
‭‭彼得前书‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭

“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:15‬

At a winter retreat in northern New England, one of the men asked the question, “What was your favorite Christmas gift ever?”

One athletic man seemed eager to answer. “That’s easy,” he said, glancing at his friend next to him. “A few years back, I finished college thinking I was a sure bet to play professional football. When it didn’t happen, I was angry. Bitterness ate at me, and I shared that bitterness with anyone who tried to help me.”

“On the second Christmas—and second season without football—I went to a Christmas play at this guy’s church,” he said, gesturing toward his friend. “Not because I wanted Jesus, but just to see my niece in her Christmas pageant. It’s hard to describe what happened because it sounds silly, but right in the middle of that kids’ play, I felt like I needed to be with those shepherds and angels meeting Jesus. When that crowd finished singing ‘Silent Night,’ I just sat there weeping.

“I got my best Christmas present ever that very night,” he said, again pointing to his friend, “when this guy sent his family home without him so he could tell me how to meet Jesus.”

It was then that his friend piped up: “And that, guys, was my best Christmas present ever.”

The best Christmas gift is Jesus bringing peace and forgiveness to others.

Insight
Do you struggle at times to find the right words to talk about the good news to someone who hasn’t yet accepted it? If so, the apostle Peter offers a refreshingly flexible approach to sharing our faith. He urges us to give others a reason to ask about our hope in Christ (3:15). If we honor Christ as Lord in our hearts first, the difference it makes in us will prompt questions (v. 15). Peter envisions the kind of transformation that others will envy—in the best sense of the word. Those living under the influence of Christ will treat one another with compassion and humility (v. 8). They won't return evil for evil, or insult for insult, but rather blessings for curses (v. 9). This difference in our lives will help others open themselves up to receiving the best gift they could ever receive.

Verse from Jeremiah

“耶和华啊！求你只按着公正惩治我，不要按着你的忿怒施行惩治，免得你使我衰微。”
‭‭耶利米书‬ ‭10:24‬ ‭

“Correct me, O LORD, but with justice; Not with Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10:24‬ ‭

There is this person who regularly requests this of the Lord: "Humble me gently, Father." Transformation is hard work and requires even more patience on God's part than it does on our part. We thank God for His grace which lets us admit our sin and yet still come into His holy and awesome presence. Thankfully He doesn't treat us as we deserve, but as we need (Psalm 103).

Verse from Deuteronomy

“你要敬畏耶和华你的神，事奉他，依靠他...”
‭‭申命记‬ ‭10:20‬ ‭

“You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him...”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:20‬ ‭

What do you find yourself holding onto most often?

What is your source of security, reassurance, hope, and stability in times of trouble?

What do you encourage folks to do and who do you encourage them to hold onto during times of trouble?

Verse from Luke

“如果单爱那些爱你们的人，那有甚么好处呢？罪人也爱那些爱他们的人。”
‭‭路加福音‬ ‭6:32‬ ‭

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:32‬ ‭

When war broke out in 1950, fifteen-year-old Kim Chin-Kyung joined the South Korean army to defend his homeland. He soon found, however, that he wasn’t ready for the horrors of combat. As young friends died around him, he begged God for his life and promised that, if allowed to live, he would learn to love his enemies.

Sixty-five years later, Dr. Kim reflected on that answered prayer. Through decades of caring for orphans and assisting in the education of North Korean and Chinese young people, he has won many friends among those he once regarded as enemies. Today he shuns political labels. Instead he calls himself a loveist as an expression of his faith in Jesus.

The prophet Jonah left a different kind of legacy. Even a dramatic rescue from the belly of a big fish didn’t transform his heart. Although he eventually obeyed God, Jonah said he’d rather die than watch the Lord show mercy to his enemies (Jonah 4:1–2, 8).

We can only guess as to whether Jonah ever learned to care for the people of Nineveh. Instead we are left to wonder about ourselves. Will we settle for his attitude toward those we fear and hate? Or will we ask God for the ability to love our enemies as He has shown mercy to us?

Father in heaven,
like Your reluctant prophet,
we are inclined to love only those who love us.
Yet You loved us even when we cared only for ourselves.
Please give us the grace to be more like Jesus than Jonah.

Love conquers all.

Verse from Matthew

“他问他们：“你们说我是谁？””
‭‭马太福音‬ ‭16:15‬ ‭

“He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:15‬ ‭

In a 1929 Saturday Evening Post interview, Albert Einstein said, “As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene. . . . No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.”

The New Testament Scriptures give us other examples of Jesus’s countrymen who sensed there was something special about Him. When Jesus asked His followers, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” they replied that some said He was John the Baptist, others said He was Elijah, and others thought He was Jeremiah or one of the prophets (Matt. 16:14). To be named with the great prophets of Israel was certainly a compliment, but Jesus wasn’t seeking compliments. He was searching their understanding and looking for faith.
Peter’s declaration fully expressed the truth of Jesus’s identity: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16).

Jesus longs for us to know Him and His rescuing love. This is why each of us must eventually answer the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

The identity of Jesus is the central question of eternity.

Insight
An easily overlooked detail in this story—its location in Caesarea Philippi—is extremely important. Philip II (from which “Philippi” comes), in honor of Caesar (“Caesarea”), built a place for rest and recreation at this location for Rome’s occupying forces to have relief from Jewish-Roman tensions. Caesarea Philippi provided all the comforts of home—including temples for the worship of the many Roman gods. This history helps reveal the significance of this location for the events of today’s reading. Jesus’s question about who He was had to be answered against the backdrop of both Israel’s hopes and dreams and the alternative god options offered by the world around them.

Verse from Psalms

“过犯得蒙赦免，罪恶得到遮盖的人，是有福的。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭32:1‬ ‭

“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:1‬ ‭

When talking about faith in Jesus, we sometimes use words without understanding or explaining them. One of those words is righteous. We say that God has righteousness and that He makes people righteous, but this can be a tough concept to grasp.

The way the word righteousness is pictured in the Chinese language is helpful. It is a combination of two characters. The top word is lamb. The bottom word is me. The lamb covers or is above the person.

When Jesus came to this world, John the Baptist called Him “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). We need our sin taken care of because it separates us from God whose character and ways are always perfect and right. Because His love for us is great, God made His Son Jesus “who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus, the Lamb, sacrificed Himself and shed His blood. He became our “cover.” He makes us righteous, which places us in right relationship with God.

Being right with God is a gift from Him.
Jesus, the Lamb, is God’s way to cover us.

The only permanent covering for sin is the blood of Christ.

Verse from Jeremiah

““你要站在耶和华的殿门口，在那里宣告这话，说：‘所有进这些门来敬拜耶和华的犹大人哪！你们都要听耶和华的话。’””
‭‭耶利米书‬ ‭7:2‬ ‭

“"Stand in the gate of the LORD ' S house and proclaim there this word and say, 'Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah, who enter by these gates to worship the LORD!'"”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭7:2‬ ‭

The theme for Lawrence's adult camp was “Comfort My People.” Speaker after speaker spoke words of assurance. But the last speaker drastically changed the tone. He chose Jeremiah 7:1–11 and the topic “Wake Up from Slumber.” Without mincing words and yet with love, he challenged the campers to wake up and turn away from our sins.

“Don’t hide behind the grace of God and continue to live in secret sin,” he exhorted, like the prophet Jeremiah. “We boast, ‘I am a Christian; God loves me; I fear no evil,’ yet we do all kinds of evil.”

Jeremiah of old quizzed the people, “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury . . . follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’—safe to do all these detestable things?” (7:9–10).

Heavenly Father,
You love us too much to let us continue defying Your instructions.
Your correction is never to harm us but only to heal us.
You are the God of all comfort.

God’s discipline is designed to make us like His Son.

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“现在还是坦然无惧，宁愿与身体分开，与主同住。”
‭‭哥林多后书‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭

“we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭

Henry Durbanville, a Scottish pastor from another era, told the story of an elderly woman in his parish who lived in a remote part of Scotland. She longed to see the city of Edinburgh, but she was afraid to take the journey because of the long, dark tunnel through which the train had to pass to get there.

One day, however, circumstances compelled her to go to Edinburgh, and as the train sped toward the city, her agitation increased. But before the train reached the tunnel, the woman, worn out with worry, fell fast asleep. When she awoke she had already arrived in the city!

It’s possible that some of us will not experience death. If we’re alive when Jesus returns, we will “meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:13–18). But many of us will pass into heaven through death and for some that thought causes great anxiety. We worry that the process of dying will be too difficult to bear.

With the assurance of Jesus as our Savior we can rest in the confidence that when we close our eyes on earth and pass through death, we will open our eyes in God’s presence. “One short sleep past we wake eternally,” John Donne said.

Verse from 1 John

“然而，因为黑暗渐渐消逝，真光已在照耀，我写给你们的也是一条新命令，这在神和在你们来说，都是真的。”
‭‭约翰壹书‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭

“On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭

The apostle John wrote these words to believers as a message of encouragement. He went on to say, “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble” (v. 10). By contrast, he equated hating people with roaming around in darkness. Hatred is disorienting; it takes away our sense of moral direction.

Loving people is not always easy.  Frustration, forgiveness, and faithfulness are all part of maintaining a deep connection with the love and light of God. When we choose love instead of hate, we are showing our relationship with Him and reflecting His radiance to the world around us. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

Dear God,
help me to experience Your love more fully so that I can share it with others.
I want to live in the light of Your grace and mercy.

Choosing to love people well shows the world what God is like.

Verse from Romans

“在盼望中要喜乐，在患难中要坚忍，祷告要恒切。”
‭‭罗马书‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭

“rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭

How can we keep our circumstances from determining our mood? How can we emancipate ourselves from the limitations that life deals us? The last in the trio of commandments opens the door for the other two to be true — we can rejoice in hope and we can be patient in affliction because we have been faithful in prayer.

No matter what our situation is, we can pray with joy because of our hope in Christ no matter what our current situation is. We can remain patient, persevering through affliction, by presenting our requests and intercessions to God with thanksgiving. Prayer is God's gift to us so that we can be patient and joyful, even when things don't appear to be going well.

Verse from Matthew

““一个人不能服事两个主人；他若不是恨这个爱那个，就是忠于这个轻视那个。你们不能服事　神，又服事金钱 。”
‭‭马太福音‬ ‭6:24‬ ‭

““No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:24‬ ‭

Early in Tim's career while doing work that he saw as more of a mission than a job, another company offered him a position that would give a significant increase in pay. His family could surely have benefited financially from such a move. There was one problem. He hadn’t been looking for another job because he loved my current role, which was growing into a calling.

But the money . . .

He called his father, then in his seventies, and explained the situation. Though his once-sharp mind had been slowed by strokes and the strain of years, his answer was crisp and clear: “Don’t even think about the money. What would you do?”

In an instant, his mind was made up. The money would have been his only reason for leaving the job I loved!

Jesus devoted a substantial section of His Sermon on the Mount to money and our fondness for it. He taught us to pray not for an accumulation of riches but for “our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). He warned against storing up treasures on earth and pointed to the birds and flowers as evidence that God cares deeply about His creation (vv. 19–31). “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” Jesus said, “and all these things will be given to you as well” (v. 33).

Money matters. But money shouldn’t rule our decision-making process. Tough times and big decisions are opportunities to grow our faith in new ways. Our heavenly Father cares for us.

Never confuse temptation with opportunity.

Insight
One of the most remarkable aspects of today’s reading is the harmony our Lord maintains between a heavenly perspective and the practical issues of daily life. He uses examples in nature to show how our heavenly Father tenderly cares for animal and plant life. Since we are of far more value than they are, Christ counsels us to trust Him to care for us one day at a time (v. 34).

Verse from James

“所以你们应当彼此认罪，互相代求，这样你们就可以痊愈。义人祈祷所发出的力量，是大有功效的。”
‭‭雅各书‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”
‭‭James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭

God often chooses to move through our prayers to accomplish His work. We see this when God told the prophet Elijah, “I will send rain on the land,” promising to end a drought in Israel that had lasted three and a half years (James 5:17).

Even though God had promised rain, a short time later “Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees”—praying intently for the rain to come (1 Kings 18:42). Then, while he continued to pray, Elijah sent his servant to go and look out over the ocean “seven times,” scanning the horizon for any sign of rain (v. 43).
Elijah understood that God wants us to join in His work through humble, persistent prayer.

Regardless of our human limitations, God may choose to move through our praying in amazing ways.

When we make it our aim to serve God through praying faithfully as Elijah did, we’re taking part in a beautiful privilege—where at any moment we may be given a front-row seat to a miracle!

Verse from Proverbs

“爱你的人加的创伤是出于忠诚；恨你的人却与你连连亲吻。”
‭‭箴言‬ ‭27:6‬ ‭

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:6‬ ‭

Charles Lowery complained to his friend about lower back pain. He was seeking a sympathetic ear, but what he got was an honest assessment. His friend told him, “I don’t think your back pain is your problem; it’s your stomach. Your stomach is so big it’s pulling on your back.”

In his column for REV! Magazine, Charles shared that he resisted the temptation to be offended. He lost the weight and his back problem went away. Charles recognized that “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Prov. 27:5–6).

The trouble is that so often we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism, for truth hurts. It bruises our ego, makes us uncomfortable, and calls for change.
True friends don’t find pleasure in hurting us. Rather, they love us too much to deceive us. They are people who, with loving courage, point out what we may already know but find hard to truly accept and live by. They tell us not only what we like to hear but also what we need to hear.

Solomon honored such friendship in his proverbs. Jesus went further—He endured the wounds of our rejection not only to tell us the truth about ourselves but to show us how much we are loved.

Think of a time when a friend said something honest that caused you pain.
Did it benefit you?
Is it wise to accept everything our friends tell us?

 A friend is one who can tell you the truth in love.

Insight
Ephesians 4:15 is a New Testament counterpart of Proverbs 27:6. It refers to two virtues that we must learn to keep in balance—“speaking the truth” and “love.” The word “speaking” is actually not an explicit part of the original Greek text, but is translated from a single verb. Some translators have suggested that the verb might better be rendered “truthing it” or “truthifying it in love.” The verb, when joined with “in love,” implies a lifestyle of integrity where truth is united with love. If we emphasize truth without love, then we can brutally hurt another person. On the other hand, if we express love at the expense of truth, we can fail to caringly confront some sin or problem that genuinely needs to be faced.

Verses from Act

“在约帕有一个女门徒，名叫戴比莎，希腊话叫多加；她为人乐善好施。那时，她因病死了；有人把她洗净了，停放在楼上。”
‭‭使徒行传‬ ‭9:36-37‬ ‭

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9:36-37‬ ‭

An old Merle Haggard song, “If We Make It Through December,” tells the story of a man laid off from his factory job with no money to buy Christmas gifts for his little girl. Although December is supposed to be a happy time of year, his life seems dark and cold.

Discouragement is not unique to December, but it can be amplified then. Our expectations may be higher, our sadness deeper. A little encouragement can go a long way.

Joseph, a man from Cyprus, was among the early followers of Jesus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” We meet him in Acts 4:36–37 when he sold a piece of property and donated the money to help other believers in need.
Later, we read that the disciples were afraid of Saul (Acts 9:26). “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles” (v. 27). Saul, later called Paul, had formerly been trying to kill the believers, but Barnabas defended him as a man transformed by Christ.

All around us are people longing to be encouraged. A timely word, a phone call, or a prayer can bolster their faith in Jesus.
The generosity and support of Barnabas demonstrate what it means to be a son or daughter of encouragement. That may be the greatest gift we can give to others this Christmas.    

Thank You, Lord,
for the gift of encouragement.
May we encourage others as they have encouraged us.

Encouragement may be the greatest gift we give this Christmas.

Verse from Nehemiah

“那一天，众人献上极大的祭祀，而且非常欢乐，因为神使他们大大欢乐；连妇女和孩童也都欢乐；耶路撒冷欢乐的声音在老远的地方都可以听见。”
‭‭尼希米记‬ ‭12:43‬ ‭

“and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.”
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭12:43‬ ‭

Walt Disney Studios was the first to introduce a new concept in listening to movies. It was called “stereophonic sound” or surround sound, and it was developed because producers wanted the movie-going audience to hear the music in a new way.

But this wasn’t the first use of “surround sound.” Thousands of years earlier, Nehemiah introduced the idea at the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. “I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall,” he explained. “I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks” (Neh. 12:31). The two choirs began at the southern part of the wall, at the Dung Gate. One went to the left, one went to the right, and they surrounded the city of Jerusalem in praise as they marched toward the temple (vv. 31, 37–40).

The choirs led the people in rejoicing because “God had given them great joy” (v. 43). In fact, their rejoicing “could be heard far away” (v. 43).
Their praise resulted from God’s help as the people overcame the opposition of enemies like Sanballat and rebuilt the wall.

What has God given us that causes our joy to overflow into praise?
God’s clear direction in our lives?
The comfort He alone can provide in times of trouble?
Or our ultimate gift: salvation?

Verses from Ephesians

“凡事谦虚、温柔、忍耐，用爱心彼此宽容；以和睦联系，竭力持守圣灵所赐的合一。”
‭‭以弗所书‬ ‭4:2-3‬ ‭

“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:2-3‬ ‭

Seeing three large predatory animals cuddle and play together is extremely unusual. Yet this is precisely what happens daily in an animal sanctuary in Georgia. In 2001, after months of neglect and abuse, a lion, a Bengal tiger, and a black bear were rescued by Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. “We could have separated them,” said the assistant director. “But since they came as a kind of family, we decided to keep them together.” The trio had found comfort in each other during their time of mistreatment, and, despite their differences, they live peacefully together.

Unity is a beautiful thing. But the unity Paul wrote about in his letter to the believers in Ephesus is unique. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to live up to their calling as members of one body in Christ (Eph. 4:4–5). By the power of the Holy Spirit they would be able to live in unity as they developed humility, gentleness, and patience. These attitudes also allow us to lovingly bear “with one another in love” through the common ground we have in Christ Jesus (4:2).

Despite our differences, as members of the family of God we have been reconciled to Him through the death of our Savior and reconciled to each other through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Heavenly Father,
help me to grow in gentleness and patience toward others.
Show me how to love others,
even when we may have differences.

We keep unity by being united in the Spirit.

Insight
The ancient city of Ephesus was large and diverse. In the first century, many philosophies and religions in Ephesus competed with Christianity, and this diversity presented some unique theological and ethical challenges to the Christ-followers who lived there. In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, the apostle Paul wanted to be sure they understood that peace with God could only be achieved through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. Other ideas might sound appealing, but salvation rests exclusively in Christ. Saving faith is not about converting to a religion; it is about receiving and then living out a new life from Christ that reflects God’s love, mercy, and wisdom.

Verse from Ephesians

“要互相友爱，存温柔的心，彼此饶恕，就像　神在基督里饶恕了你们一样。”
‭‭以弗所书‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭

How many times have we wounded the heart of someone dear to us by a harsh word? By doing so, we disturb the peace and quiet of the hour and we can undo much of the good we have done toward those we love. "A small unkindness is a great offense,” said Hannah More, an 18th-century English writer.

Here’s the good news: Anyone can become kind. We may be incapable of preaching an inspiring sermon, fielding hard questions, or evangelizing vast numbers, but we can all be kind.

How? Through prayer. It is the only way to soften our hearts. “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil [or harsh]” (Ps. 141:3–4).

In a world in which love has grown cold, a kindness that comes from the heart of God is one of the most helpful and healing things we can offer to others.

Forgive me, Lord,
when I bring anger into a situation.
Soften my heart and help me use my words to encourage others.

Verse from Proverbs

“遵守教训的，走在生命的路上；离弃责备的，却是走上错路。”
‭‭箴言‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭

“He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭

God has given each of us a circle of influence, a place where our lives impact others for either good or ill. In much the same way, each of us is also influenced by others, some of whom can help us see and overcome our problems and shortcomings.

However, if we reject or snub discipline and correction, we not only harm ourselves, but we lead others astray.

Verse from Psalms

“我因你的话语欢喜， 像得了许多战利品的人一样。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭119:162‬ ‭

“I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great spoil.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:162‬ ‭

In 1932, Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso discovered Tomb 7 at Monte Alban, Oaxaca. He found more than four hundred artifacts, including hundreds of pieces of pre-Hispanic jewelry he called “The Treasure of Monte Alban.” It is one of the major finds of Mexican archaeology. One can only imagine Caso’s excitement as he held a jade cup in its purest form.

Centuries earlier, the psalmist wrote of a treasure more valuable than gold or rock crystal. In Psalm 119, the writer knew how valuable God’s instructions and promises are to our lives, so he compared them to the great treasure that comes in hand with the victory of a conqueror.

Caso’s name is remembered today because of his discovery in Tomb 7. We can enjoy it if we visit a museum in Oaxaca. However, the psalmist’s treasure is at our fingertips. Day by day we can dig into the Scriptures and find diamonds of promises, rubies of hope, and emeralds of wisdom. But by far the greatest thing we find is the person whom the book points to: Jesus Himself. After all, He is the Author of the book.

Let us seek diligently with the confidence that this is the treasure that will enrich us. As the psalmist said, “Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight” (v. 111 nlt).

God’s Word is a valuable possession and a guide to life.

Insight
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It uses eight different Hebrew words (each of them found between nineteen and twenty-five times in the chapter) related to God’s “law”—God’s written Word. Often Psalm 119 describes God’s Word as being more precious than gold (see vv. 72, 127). If God’s Word is your most treasured possession, how is that reflected in your life? Have you considered memorizing verses that stand out in your mind as you hear them proclaimed, sung, or read? How might you plan during this annual season to incorporate more of Scripture’s joyful message into your life?

Verse from James

“...就是照顾患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不被世俗所污染。”
‭‭雅各书‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭

“...To visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭

James’s letter to the early Jewish Christians encouraged the church to care for the needy. James wanted the believers to go beyond just listening to the Word of God and to put their beliefs into action (1:22–25). By citing the need to care for orphans and widows (v. 27), he named a vulnerable group, for in the ancient world the family would have been responsible for their care.

How do we respond to those who are at risk in our church and community? May God open our eyes to the opportunities to serve people in need everywhere.

Father God,
Your heart beats for the vulnerable and for those who are alone.
Help us to love Your people as You love them,
for we are made in Your image.

True faith demands not only our words, but our actions.

Verse from Psalms

“我的心哪！你要称颂耶和华；不可忘记他的一切恩惠。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭103:2‬ ‭

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:2‬ ‭

The psalmists often talked to themselves in the Psalms. The author of Psalm 116 is no exception. In verse 7 he writes, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Reminding himself of God’s kindness and faithfulness in the past is a practical comfort and help to him in the present.

We see “conversations” like this frequently in the Psalms. In Psalm 103:1 David tells himself, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” And in Psalm 62:5 he affirms, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”

It’s good to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Him. We can follow the example of the psalmist and spend some time naming the many ways God has been good to us. As we do, we’ll be encouraged. The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future.

Dear Lord,
please help me to stay in touch with Your heart today by reminding myself of Your faithfulness and love.

Verse from 1 John

“那光来到世界，是普照世人的真光。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

“There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

“My perspective on earth changed dramatically the very first time I went into space,” says Space Shuttle astronaut Charles Frank Bolden Jr. From four hundred miles above the earth, all looked peaceful and beautiful to him. Yet Bolden recalled later that as he passed over the Middle East, he was “shaken into reality” when he considered the ongoing conflict there. During an interview with film producer Jared Leto, Bolden spoke of that moment as a time when he saw the earth with a sense of how it ought to be—and then sensed a challenge to do all he could to make it better.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the world was not the way God intended it. Into this moral and spiritual darkness Jesus came bringing life and light to all (John 1:4). Even though the world didn’t recognize Him, “to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (v. 12).

When life is not the way it ought to be we are deeply saddened—when families break up, children go hungry, and the world wages war. But God promises that through faith in Christ anyone can begin to move in a new direction.

God is at work to make us who He intends us to be.

Verses from 1 Peter

“因为知道你们得赎，脱去你们祖先传下的妄行，不是凭着能坏的金银等物，而是凭着基督的宝血，就像无瑕疵无玷污的羊羔的血。”
‭‭彼得前书‬ ‭1:18-19‬ ‭

“knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:18-19‬ ‭

There is a story that in 75 bc a young Roman nobleman named Julius Caesar was kidnapped by pirates and held for ransom. When they demanded 20 talents of silver in ransom (about $600,000 today), Caesar laughed and said they obviously had no idea who he was. He insisted they raise the ransom to 50 talents! Why? Because he believed he was worth far more than 20 talents.

What a difference we see between Caesar’s arrogant measure of his own worth and the value God places on each of us. Our worth is not measured in terms of monetary value but by what our heavenly Father has done on our behalf.

What ransom did He pay to save us? Through the death of His only Son on the cross, the Father paid the price to rescue us from our sin.
God loved us so much that He gave up His Son to die on the cross and rise from the dead to ransom and rescue us. That is what you are worth to Him.

Father,
thank You for the love You have shown to me and for the price You paid for my forgiveness.
Help my life to be an ongoing expression of gratitude,
for You are the One whose worth is beyond measure.

Our worth is measured by what God paid to rescue us.

Verse from Psalms

“我喜欢你法度定下的道路，如同喜欢一切财富。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭119:14‬ ‭

“I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:14‬ ‭

There is this TV ad in which a person answers the door and finds someone who hands over a check for an enormous amount of money. Then the amazed recipient begins shouting, dancing, jumping, and hugging everyone in sight. “I won! I’m rich! I can’t believe it! My problems are solved!” Striking it rich evokes a great emotional response.

Obeying God’s instructions for living can be just as exhilarating as receiving a fortune! Verse 16 repeats this refrain as the psalmist expresses grateful gladness for the Lord’s commands. “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”

But what if we don’t feel that way? How can delighting in God’s instructions for living be just as exhilarating as receiving a fortune? It all begins with gratitude, which is both an attitude and a choice. We pay attention to what we value, so we begin by expressing our gratitude for those gifts of God that nourish our souls. We ask Him to open our eyes to see the storehouse of wisdom, knowledge, and peace He has given us in His Word.

Dear Father,
open our eyes that we may see wonderful things in Your law.
Thank You that Your instructions give wise advice.

Rich treasures of God’s truth are waiting to be discovered in His Word.

Verse from Mark

“但耶稣说：“由她吧！为甚么难为她呢？她在我身上作的是一件美事。”
‭‭马可福音‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭

“But Jesus said, "Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭

Picture two teenage girls. The first girl is strong and healthy. The other girl has never known the freedom of getting around on her own. From her wheelchair she faces not only the emotional challenges common to life, but also a stream of physical pains and struggles.

But both girls are smiling cheerfully as they enjoy each other’s company. Two beautiful teenagers—each seeing in the other the treasure of friendship.

Jesus devoted much of His time and attention to people like the girl in the wheelchair. People with lifelong disabilities or physical deformities as well as those who were looked down on by others for various reasons. In fact, Jesus let one of “those people” anoint Him with oil, to the disdain of the religious leaders (Luke 7:39).

God values everyone equally; there are no distinctions in His eyes. In reality, we are all in desperate need of Christ’s love and forgiveness. His love compelled Him to die on the cross for us.

May we see each person as Jesus did: made in God’s image and worthy of His love. Let’s treat everyone we meet with Christlike equality and learn to see beauty as He does.

Dear Lord,
help me to see people as You see them—not important because of what they can do or how they look,
but because they are made in God’s image and You loved them enough to die for them.

Everyone we meet bears the image of God.

Verse from Judges

“以色列人对耶和华说：“我们犯了罪了，你任意对待我们吧；只求你今日拯救我们。””
‭‭士师记‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭

“The sons of Israel said to the LORD, "We have sinned, do to us whatever seems good to You; only please deliver us this day."”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭

When God's people realized the depth of their sin and the impending punishment by God, they repented and asked for His help. They didn't try to diminish the gravity of their sin. Instead, they threw themselves on the mercy of the LORD and His graciousness.

Unfortunately today, we often hide, avoid, rationalize, deny, and skirt the seriousness our personal sin. We don't like to admit it, much less confess it and turn from it. "It's not really all that bad. I know a lot of folks who do a lot worse things than I did." We must not view confession of sin as humiliation or weakness. Acknowledging our sin and asking for God's forgiveness, cleansing, and power open the door for Him to use us mightily and also brings us closer to Him.

Verses from 1 Peter

“不要以恶报恶，以辱骂还辱骂，倒要祝福，因为你们就是为此蒙召，好叫你们承受福气。因为 “凡希望享受人生，要看见好日子的，就要禁止舌头不出恶言，嘴唇不说诡诈的话；也要离恶行善，寻找并追求和睦。”
‭‭彼得前书‬ ‭3:9-11‬ ‭

“not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. "HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:9-11‬ ‭

Have you ever sent an email and suddenly realized it went to the wrong person or it contained harmful, harsh words? If only you could press a key and stop it. Well, now you can. Several companies offer a feature that gives you a brief time after sending an email to stop it from leaving your computer. After that, the email is like a spoken word that cannot be unsaid. Rather than being seen as a cure-all, an “unsend” feature should remind us that it’s extremely important to guard what we say.

The psalmist David wrote, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3). That’s a great prayer for the beginning of each day and in every situation when we want to strike back with words.
Lord, guard our words today so we may not harm others by what we say.

Father,
teach us first to guard our hearts so that we may guard our tongues.
And help us,
when we do say things we regret,
to humbly apologize and seek forgiveness.

The tongue has the power of life and death.  Proverbs 18:21

Verse from Colossians

“凡你们所作的，无论是言语或行为，都要奉主耶稣的名，借着他感谢父神。”
‭‭歌罗西书‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

Every autumn a scrumptious Thanksgiving feast is being held on campus at Cornerstone University. The students love it! Last year a group of students played a game at their table. They challenged each other to name something they were thankful for—in three seconds or less—without repeating what someone else had said. Anyone who hesitated was out of the game.

There are all kinds of things that students might gripe about—tests, deadlines, rules, and a host of other college-type complaints. But these students had chosen to be thankful. And they probably all felt a lot better after the game than they would have if they had chosen to complain.

While there will always be things to complain about, if we look carefully there are always blessings to be thankful for. When Paul describes our newness in Christ, “thankfulness” is the only characteristic mentioned more than once. In fact it is mentioned three times. “Be thankful,” he says in Colossians 3:15. Sing to God “with gratitude in your hearts” (v. 16). And whatever you do, be sure to be “giving thanks to God the Father” (v. 17). Paul’s instruction to be thankful is astonishing when we consider that he wrote this letter from prison!

Lord,
teach me the liberating joy of being thankful!
Help me to find the blessings that are locked up in the things I complain about and to regularly express my gratitude to You and others.

Today, let's make the choice to have the attitude of gratitude.

Verse from Philippians

“既然有人的样子，就自甘卑微，顺服至死，而且死在十字架上。”
‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭

“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭

Many of us are obsessed with fame—either with being famous ourselves or with following every detail of famous people’s lives. International book or film tours. Late-night show appearances. Millions of followers on Twitter.

In a recent study in the US, researchers ranked the names of famous individuals using a specially developed algorithm that scoured the Internet. Jesus topped the list as the most famous person in history.

Yet Jesus was never concerned about obtaining celebrity status. When He was here on earth, He never sought fame (Matt. 9:30; John 6:15)—although fame found Him all the same as news about Him quickly traveled throughout the region of Galilee (Mark 1:28; Luke 4:37).

Wherever Jesus went, crowds soon gathered. The miracles He performed drew people to Him. But when they tried to make Him a king by force, He slipped away by Himself (John 6:15). United in purpose with His Father, He repeatedly deferred to the Father’s will and timing (4:34; 8:29; 12:23). “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8).

Fame was never Jesus’s goal. His purpose was simple. As the Son of God, He humbly, obediently, and voluntarily offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins.

Verse from Hebrews

“但是现在他们所向往的，是一个更美的、在天上的家乡。所以，神不以他们称他为神而觉得羞耻；因为他已经为他们预备了一座城。”
‭‭希伯来书‬ ‭11:16‬ ‭

“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:16‬ ‭

The writer of Hebrews tells of others who were longing for home in a different way. Instead of looking backward, they were looking ahead with faith to their home in heaven. Even though what they hoped for seemed a long way off, they trusted that God was faithful to keep His promise to bring them to a place where they would be with Him forever (Heb. 11:13–16).

Philippians 3:20 reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven,” and we are to “eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Looking forward to seeing Jesus and receiving everything God has promised us through Him help us keep our focus. The past or the present can never compare with what’s ahead of us!

Jesus,
thank You that You are faithful to keep Your promises.
Please help me to always look forward to You.

The best home of all is our home in heaven.

Verse from Proverbs

“生与死都在舌头的权下；爱把弄这权柄的，必自食其果。”
‭‭箴言‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭

Emily listened as a group of friends talked about their Thanksgiving traditions with family. “We go around the room and each one tells what he or she is thankful to God for,” Gary said.

Another friend mentioned his family's Thanksgiving meal and prayertime. He recalled time with his dad before he had died: “Even though Dad had dementia, his prayer of thanks to the Lord was clear.” Randy shared, “My family has a special time of singing together on the holiday. My grandma goes on and on and on!” Emily’s sadness and jealousy grew as she thought of her own family, and she complained: “Our traditions are to eat turkey, watch television, and never mention anything about God or giving thanks.”

Right away Emily felt uneasy with her attitude. You are part of that family. What would you like to do differently to change the day? she asked herself. She decided she wanted to privately tell each person she was thankful to the Lord that they were her sister, niece, brother, or great-niece. When the day arrived, she expressed her thankfulness for them one by one, and they all felt loved. It wasn’t easy because it wasn’t normal conversation in her family, but she experienced joy as she shared her love for each of them.

“Let everything you say be good and helpful,” wrote the apostle Paul, “so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29 nlt). Our words of thanks can remind others of their value to us and to God.

Dear Lord,
show me how I can be an encouragement to others with my words.

The human spirit fills with hope at the sound of an encouraging word.

Verse from Matthew

“为义遭受迫害的人有福了，因为天国是他们的。”
‭‭马太福音‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭

“"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭

Stephen, one of the first appointed leaders in the early church, garnered attention in Jerusalem when he performed “great wonders and signs” (Acts 6:8) and was brought before the Jewish authorities to defend his actions. He gave an impassioned defense of the faith before describing the hard-heartedness of his accusers. But instead of repenting, they were “furious and gnashed their teeth at him” (7:54). They dragged him from the city and stoned him to death—even as he prayed for their forgiveness.

The stories of Stephen and modern martyrs remind us that the message of Christ can be met with brutality. If we have never faced persecution for our faith, let’s pray for the persecuted church around the world. And may we, if and when tested, find grace to be found faithful to the One who suffered so much more for us.

Lord God,
we believe You weep at the pain and anguish some of Your children experience because they love You.
We pray that You will strengthen them in the midst of their suffering and send them Your grace.

May we find grace to walk in the Master’s steps.

Verses from Isaiah

“他使诸侯都归于无有，使地上的审判官成为虚空。

你们向天举目吧！看是谁创造了这些万象？是谁按着数目把万象领出来，一一指名呼唤？因他的大能大力，连一个也不缺少。”
‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭40:23, 26‬ ‭

“He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.

Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:23, 26‬ ‭

Unsettled by issues at work and at home, Matt decided to take a walk. The evening spring air beckoned. As the infinite sky deepened from blue to black, a thickening fog spilled slowly over the marsh. Stars began to glimmer, heralding the full moon rising in the east. The moment, for Matt, was deeply spiritual. He’s there, he thought. God is there, and He’s got this.

Some people look at the night sky and see nothing but nature. Others see a god as distant and cold as Jupiter. But the same God who “sits enthroned above the circle of the earth” also “brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name” (Isa. 40:22, 26). He knows His creation intimately.

It is this personal God who asked His people, “Why do you say, Israel, ‘My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God’?” Aching for them, God reminded them of the wisdom in seeking Him. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? . . . He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (vv. 27–29).

We are easily tempted to forget God. Our problems won’t disappear with an evening stroll, but we can find rest and certainty that God is always working toward His good purposes. “I’m here,” He says. “I’ve got you.”

Thank You, Lord,
for a night sky that helps us glimpse eternity.
We can’t begin to understand it fully,
but we know it is there,
and we know You are there.
Help us trust You for what we don’t know.

Verse from John

“人为朋友舍命，人间的爱没有比这个更大的了。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭

During the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900, missionaries trapped in a home in T’ai Yüan Fu decided their only hope for survival rested on running through the crowd that was calling for their deaths. Aided by weapons they held, they escaped the immediate threat. However, Edith Coombs, noticing that two of her injured Chinese students had not escaped, raced back into danger. She rescued one, but stumbled on her return trip for the second student and was killed.

Meanwhile, missionaries in Hsin Chou district had escaped and were hiding in the countryside, accompanied by their Chinese friend Ho Tsuen Kwei. But he was captured while scouting an escape route for his friends in hiding and was martyred for refusing to reveal their location.

In the lives of Edith Coombs and Tsuen Kwei we see a love that rises above cultural or national character. Their sacrifice reminds us of the greater grace and love of our Savior.

As Jesus awaited His arrest and subsequent execution, He prayed earnestly, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me.” But He concluded that request with this resolute example of courage, love, and sacrifice: “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His death and resurrection made our eternal lives possible.

Only the light of Christ’s love can eliminate the darkness of hatred.

Verse from Matthew

“好使你的施舍是在隐密中行的。你父在隐密中察看，必定报答你。”
‭‭马太福音‬ ‭6:4‬ ‭

“so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:4‬ ‭

Kerri tries hard to get people to admire her. She acts happy most of the time so that others will notice and compliment her on her joyful attitude. Some affirm her because they see her helping people in the community. But in a transparent moment Kerri will admit, "I love the Lord, but in some ways I feel like my life is a façade." Her own sense of insecurity is behind much of her effort of trying to look good to others, and she says she’s running out of energy to keep it up.

We can probably all relate in some way because it’s not possible to have perfect motives. We love the Lord and others, but our motives for how we live the Christian life are sometimes mixed with our desire to be valued or praised.
Jesus talked about those who give, pray, and fast in order to be seen (Matt. 6:1–18). He taught in the Sermon on the Mount to “give your gifts in private,” to “pray to your Father in private,” and “when you fast, don't make it obvious” (vv. 4, 6, 16 nlt).

Serving is most often done publicly, but maybe a little anonymous service could help us learn to rest in God’s opinion of us. He who created us in His image values us so much that He gave us His Son and shows us His love each day.

Dear Lord,
please forgive me for desiring praise from others more than from You.
Please help me as I struggle to keep my motives pure.

Our desire to please God should be our highest motive for obeying God.

Verse from Hebrews

“所以，我们既然有这么多的见证人，像云彩围绕着我们，就应该脱下各样的拖累，和容易缠住我们的罪，以坚忍的心奔跑那摆在我们面前的赛程；”
‭‭希伯来书‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭

A large sign at the Texas A&M University football stadium says “HOME OF THE 12TH MAN.” While each team is allowed eleven players on the field, the 12th Man is the presence of thousands of A&M students who remain standing during the entire game to cheer their team on. The tradition traces its roots to 1922 when the coach called a student from the stands to suit up and be ready to replace an injured player. Although he never entered the game, his willing presence on the sideline greatly encouraged the team.

Hebrews 11 describes heroes of the faith who faced great trials and remained loyal to God.
We are not alone on our journey of faith. The great saints and ordinary people who have been faithful to the Lord encourage us by their example and also by their presence in heaven. They are a spiritual 12th Man standing with us while we are still on the field.

Lord,
may we be aware of those in heaven who are cheering us on.
Give us strength to run our race of faith today.

Verse from Philippians

“反而倒空自己，取了奴仆的形象，成为人的样式；”
‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭

“but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭

The Maker of all things is the Maker of all human beings, and each of us is deemed worthy of His individual attention and love. God demonstrated that love in person on the gnarly hills of Israel and ultimately on the cross.

When Jesus visited earth in the form of a servant, He showed that the hand of God is not too big for the smallest person in the world. It is a hand engraved with our individual names and engraved also with wounds, the cost to God of loving us so much.

Father,
when we are overwhelmed by the ache of loneliness and pain,
we can run only to You.
Jesus showed us how much we matter to You, and we thank You!

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“你们所受的试探，无非是人受得起的；神是信实的，他必不容许你们受试探过于你们承受得起的，而且在受试探的时候，必定给你们开一条出路，使你们能忍受得住。”
‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭

In the face of temptation, God has promised us two things: (1) a way out, and (2) the power to stand up under trial. Can we truly believe this? Yes, of course, because Jesus demonstrated this power, God promised us this power, and we can look at brothers and sisters in Christ who have triumphed by this power! However, we must not think that the way out means that we are not going to face challenges, hardships, or difficulties.

Character is produced by both refusing to give into the temptation and also refusing to give up during the challenges we face for remaining faithful. God will provide us a way out, but he is also interested in developing our holy character. Where the balance is between the two is God's work. Whether we choose to remain faithful is our work. (Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:7! )

Verse from Nehemiah

“在水门前面的广场，从清早到中午，向众男女和听了能明白的人宣读出来。众民都侧耳倾听这律法书的话。”
‭‭尼希米记‬ ‭8:3‬ ‭

“He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law.”
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8:3‬ ‭

It’s possible to hear what is being said but not listen, to watch but not see, to be present and yet absent. In such a condition, we may miss important messages meant for us.

As Ezra read God’s instructions to the people of Judah, “All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law” (Neh. 8:3). Their attention to the explanation produced understanding (v. 8), which resulted in their repentance and revival. In another situation in Samaria, Philip, after persecution of the believers broke out in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1), reached out to the Samaritan people. The crowd not only observed the miraculous signs he did, but they also “paid close attention to what he said” (v. 6). “So there was great joy in that city” (v. 8).

The mind can be like a wandering adventurer that misses a lot of excitement close by. Nothing deserves more attention than words that help us discover the joy and wonder of our Father in heaven.

Lord,
our minds are so prone to distraction.
Help us to be present in the moment,
especially when listening to those who instruct us in Your ways.

The receiving of the Word consists in two parts: attention of the mind and intention of the will. William Ames

Verse from Proverbs

“福祉临到义人头上，强暴遮盖恶人的口。”
‭‭箴言‬ ‭10:6‬ ‭

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:6‬ ‭

Jesus told Peter, "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword." Violence begets violence and rarely does a violent person not have to taste the bitter repayment of violence.

God's Wise Man is saying essentially the same thing in this verse, but with one key addition. Blessings come to the person who is righteous. We reap what we sow!

Verse from John

“你们若行我所吩咐你们的，就是我的朋友了。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭15:14‬ ‭

“You are My friends if you do what I command you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:14‬ ‭

Raleigh looks like a powerful dog—he is large and muscular and has a thick coat of fur. And he weighs over 100 pounds! Despite his appearance, Raleigh connects well with people. His owner takes him to nursing homes and hospitals to bring people a smile.

Once, a four-year-old girl spotted Raleigh across a room. She wanted to pet him, but was afraid to get close. Eventually, her curiosity overcame her sense of caution and she spent several minutes talking to him and petting him. She discovered that he is a gentle creature, even though he is powerful.

Jesus was approachable—He welcomed little children (Matt. 19:13–15). He was kind to an adulterous woman in a desperate situation (John 8:1–11). Compassion motivated Him to teach crowds (Mark 6:34). At the same time, Jesus’s power was astounding. Heads turned and jaws dropped as He subdued demons, calmed violent storms, and resurrected dead people! (Mark 1:21–34; 4:35–41; John 11).

The way we see Jesus determines how we relate to Him. If we focus only on His power, we may treat Him with the detached worship we’d give a comic book superhero. Yet, if we overemphasize His kindness, we risk treating Him too casually. The truth is that Jesus is both at once—great enough to deserve our obedience yet humble enough to call us friends.

Verse from Luke

“他说：“你们给他们吃吧！”他们说：“我们所有的，不过是五个饼两条鱼，除非去为这些人另买食物。””
‭‭路加福音‬ ‭9:13‬ ‭

“But He said to them, "You give them something to eat!" And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people."”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:13‬ ‭

Jesus showed them that if they brought their meager resources to Him, they could do amazing things. When the big picnic was over, each of them got to pick up a basket full of leftovers from the table of God's grace!

Let's remember that it isn't the challenge or the resources that limit us; it's our unwillingness to bring what we have to Jesus and trust that He will do something with us to bless others in ways we couldn't have dreamed! (Ephesians 3:20-21)

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 ‭

The religious leaders of Jesus’s day demanded a sign from Him to prove the validity of His claims (Matt. 16:1). They weren’t seeking God’s guidance; they were challenging His divine authority. Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign” (v. 4).

The Lord’s strong response wasn’t a blanket statement to prevent anyone from seeking God’s guidance. Rather, Jesus was accusing them of ignoring the clear prophecies in Scripture that indicated He was the Messiah.
God wants us to seek His guidance in prayer (James 1:5). He also gives us the guidance of the Spirit (John 14:26) and His Word (Ps. 119:105). He provides us with mentors and wise leaders. And He’s given us the example of Jesus Himself.

It’s wise to ask God for clear direction, but He may not always give it in ways that we expect or want. Perhaps the larger point of prayer is that we learn more about God’s nature and develop a relationship with our Father.

Verse from Galatians

“你们各人的重担要互相担当，这样就成全了基督的律法。”
‭‭加拉太书‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭

“Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭

Volunteers from a local church spent a frigid evening distributing food to people in a low-income apartment complex. One woman who received the food was overjoyed. She showed them her bare cupboard and told them they were an answer to her prayers.

As the volunteers returned to the church, one woman began to cry. “When I was a little girl,” she said, “that lady was my Sunday school teacher. She’s in church every Sunday. We had no idea she was almost starving!”

Clearly, these were caring people who were seeking ways to carry the burdens of others, as Paul suggests in Galatians 6:2. Yet somehow they hadn’t noticed the needs of this woman—someone they saw every Sunday—and she hadn’t shared her needs. This can be a gentle reminder for all of us to be more aware of those around us and, as Paul said, to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (6:10).

People who worship together have the privilege of assisting one another so no one in the body of Christ goes without help. As we get to know each other and care for each other, perhaps we won’t ever have to say, “We had no idea.”

Verse from Psalm

“王要喝路旁的河水，因此他必挺胸昂首。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭110:7‬ ‭

“He will drink from a brook along the way, and so he will lift his head high.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭110:7‬ ‭

High in a fold of Jughandle Peak in the mountains in Idaho lies a glacial lake. The route to the lake goes up a steep, exposed ridge through boulders and loose stones. It’s a strenuous ascent.

At the beginning of the climb, however, there is a brook—a spring that seeps out of soft, mossy earth and flows through a lush meadow. It’s a quiet place to drink deeply and prepare for the hard climb ahead.

In John Bunyan’s classic allegory of the Christian life, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian arrives at the foot of a steep ascent called the Hill Difficulty, “at the bottom of which was a spring . . . Christian now went to the spring and drank to refresh himself, and then began to go up the hill.”

Perhaps the difficult mountain you face is a rebellious child or a serious medical diagnosis. The challenge seems more than you can endure.

Before you face your next major task, visit the spring of refreshment that is God Himself. Come to Him with all your weakness, weariness, helplessness, fear, and doubt. Then drink deeply of His power, strength, and wisdom. God knows all your circumstances and will supply a store of comfort, of spiritual strengthening and consolation. He will lift up your head and give you strength to go on.

Father,
at this moment I turn to You for strength in my weakness, energy for my weariness, and faith in my doubt.

He who overrules all things . . . enabled Christian to . . . continue on his way. John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“你们有些人从前也是这样的，但现在借着我们主耶稣基督的名，靠着我们神的灵，都已经洗净了，圣洁了，称义了。”
‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭

“Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭

A young Japanese man had a problem—he was afraid of leaving his house. To avoid other people, he slept through the day and stayed up all night watching TV. He was a hikikomori or a modern-day hermit. The problem began when he stopped going to school because of poor grades. The longer he remained apart from society, the more he felt like a social misfit. Eventually he broke off all communication with his friends and family. He was helped on his journey to recovery, though, by visiting a youth club in Tokyo known as an ibasho—a safe place where broken people could start reintroducing themselves to society.

What if we thought of the church as an ibasho—and far more? Without a doubt, we are a community of broken people. When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth he described their former way of life as anti-social, harmful, and dangerous to themselves and others (1 Cor. 6:9–10). But in Jesus they were being transformed and made whole. And Paul encouraged these rescued people to love one another, to be patient and kind, not to be jealous or proud or rude (13:4–7).

The church is to be an ibasho where all of us, no matter what struggles or brokenness we face, can know and experience God’s love. May the hurting world experience the compassion of Christ from all who follow Him.

Only God can transform a sin-stained soul into a masterpiece of grace.

Verse from Philippians

“不要自私自利，也不要贪图虚荣，只要谦卑，看别人比自己强；”
‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭

Paul wrote a letter to the people of Philippi, in which he exhorts them to live worthy of Christ’s calling through serving and being united with others. They were facing persecution, but Paul wanted them to be of one mind. He knew that their unity, birthed through their union with Christ and expressed through serving each other, would enable them to keep strong in their faith.

We might claim to love others without selfish ambition or vain conceit, but the true state of our hearts isn’t revealed until we put our love into action.

May we find ways to serve our family, friends, and neighbors for God’s glory.

Read Luke 22:22–27 and consider how you can pattern yourself after Jesus the servant, looking especially at the words, “But I am among you as one who serves.”

The gift of unity can result from serving each other.

Verse from John

“耶稣回答：“我的国不属于这世界；”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭18:36‬ ‭

“Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world..."”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:36‬ ‭

Most of us hope for good government. We vote, we serve, and we speak out for causes we believe are fair and just. But political solutions remain powerless to change the condition of our hearts.

Many of Jesus’s followers anticipated a Messiah who would bring a vigorous political response to Rome and its heavy-handed oppression. Peter was no exception. When Roman soldiers came to arrest Christ, Peter drew his sword and took a swing at the head of the high priest’s servant, lopping off his ear in the process.

Jesus halted Peter’s one-man war, saying, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11). The Lord’s restraint in that moment, as His life hung in the balance, astonishes us when we ponder the scope of His mission. On a future day, He will lead the armies of heaven into battle. John wrote, “With justice he judges and wages war” (Rev. 19:11).

But as He endured the ordeal of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus kept His Father’s will in view. By embracing death on the cross, He set in motion a chain of events that truly transforms hearts. And in the process, our Strong Conqueror defeated death itself.

Father,
how prone I am to reacting quickly rather than wisely.
Show me Your will for my life so that I will purposefully choose the path You have for me.

Real restraint is not weakness, for it arises out of genuine strength.

Insight
At Gethsemane Jesus restrained and conquered (or overcame) His own natural inclinations that wished He would not have to undergo the excruciating agony of crucifixion (Luke 22:42). Restraint is not always a high priority in our lives, but we all need help to overcome our natural inclinations. One aspect of the Spirit’s control over us, according to Galatians 5:23, is self-control. Peter tended to be an “open-mouth-insert-foot” kind of guy (Matt. 16:22; 17:4–5). And on impulse he cut off an opponent’s ear (John 18:10). Even as a stallion must be harnessed to do its master’s bidding, so Peter had a lesson to teach us about the value of restraint.

Verse from Philemon

“然而像我这上了年纪的保罗，现在又是为基督耶稣被囚禁的，宁愿凭着爱心请求你，”
‭‭腓利门书‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

“yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you -since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-”
‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

In his book Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders explores the qualities and the importance of tact and diplomacy. “Combining these two words,” Sanders says, “the idea emerges of skill in reconciling opposing viewpoints without giving offense and without compromising principle.”

During Paul’s imprisonment in Rome, he became the spiritual mentor and close friend of a runaway slave named Onesimus, whose owner was Philemon. When Paul wrote to Philemon, a leader of the church in Colossae, asking him to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, he exemplified tact and diplomacy. “Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. . . . [Onesimus] is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord”  (Philem. 8–9, 16).

Paul, a respected leader of the early church, often gave clear commands to the followers of Jesus. In this case, though, he appealed to Philemon on the basis of equality, friendship, and love. “I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary” (v. 14).
           
Father in heaven,
in all our relationships,
give us grace and wisdom to be wise leaders, parents, and friends.

Leaders who serve will serve as good leaders.

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“你们要警醒，要在信仰上站立得稳，要作大丈夫，要刚强。”
‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13‬

Birds check their immediate surroundings for any danger, listening attentively as they look about them. Only when they are satisfied that there is no danger do they settle down to feed. Even then, they pause every few seconds to scan the area.

The vigilance these birds demonstrate is similar to the vigilance taught to us in the Bible. Our world is full of temptations, and we need to remain constantly alert and not forget about the dangers. Like Adam and Eve, we easily get entangled in attractions that make the things of this world seem “good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom” (Gen. 3:6).

Peter cautioned, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

As we work for our own daily bread, are we alert to what could start consuming us?
Are we watching for any hint of self-confidence or willfulness that could leave us wishing we had trusted our God?

Lord,
keep us from the secret sins and selfish reactions we’re so naturally inclined toward.
By Your grace, turn our temptations into moments of growth in Christlikeness.

The best way to escape temptation is to run to God.

Verse from Proverbs

“耶和华的名是坚固的高台，义人投奔，就得安全。”
‭‭箴言‬ ‭18:10‬ ‭

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:10‬ ‭

There are moments in our lives when God calls to us and says, “Run to Me!” Something troubling is on our heels. The faster and farther we go, the more closely it pursues us. We can’t shake it. We’re too afraid to turn and confront the trouble on our own.

But the reality is that we aren’t on our own. God is there, ready to help and comfort us. All we have to do is turn away from whatever scares us, and move in His direction.

Dear Jesus,
You are the Prince of Peace.
I need the kind of peace that only You can give.
Help me to turn to You when I am troubled.

God is our refuge in times of trouble.

Verses 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，可以得着不能朽坏、不能玷污、不能衰残，为你们存留在天上的基业，”
‭‭彼得前书‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭

“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, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭

No financial plan can provide an absolute guarantee of earthly security. But there is a plan that extends far beyond this life and indefinitely into the future. The apostle Peter describes it in 1 Peter 1:3–4 as above.

When we place our faith in Jesus to forgive our sins we receive an eternal inheritance through God’s power. Because of this inheritance, we’ll live forever and never run short of what we need.

Planning for retirement is a good idea if we’re able to do so. But more important is having an eternal inheritance that never runs out—and that is available only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Verse from 1 Samuel

“耶和华又来站着，像前几次一样呼唤：“撒母耳，撒母耳！”他回答：“请说！仆人敬听。””
‭‭撒母耳记上‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭

“Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Your servant is listening."”
‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭

Young Samuel in the temple must have wondered what he was hearing as he struggled out of sleep at the summons of his name (1 Sam. 3:4). Three times he presented himself before Eli, the high priest. Only the third time did Eli realize it was the Lord speaking to Samuel. The word of the Lord had been rare at that time (v. 1), and the people were not in tune with His voice. But Eli instructed Samuel how to respond (v. 9).

The Lord speaks much more now than in the days of Samuel. The letter to the Hebrews tells us, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets . . . but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (1:1–2). And in Acts 2 we read of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (vv. 1–4), who guides us in the things Christ taught us (John 16:13).

But we need to learn to hear His voice and respond in obedience. We need to test what we think is the Lord’s guidance with the Bible and with other mature Christians. As God’s beloved children, we do hear His voice. He loves to speak life into us.

Open our eyes, Lord, that we might see You. Open our ears, that we may hear You.
Open our mouths, that we might speak Your praise.

The Lord speaks to His children, but we need to discern His voice.

Insight
God has communicated in various ways throughout history (Heb. 1:1). One way God speaks today is through our conscience (Rom. 2:14–16). Our conscience is like a moral monitor. An important way we discern whether a spiritual communication has God as its source is to ask: Does the message agree with the Bible, God's written Word? If it does not align with God’s previously revealed truth, then we cannot put our stamp of approval on it.

Verse from John

“我不再在这世上，他们却在这世上，我要到你那里去。圣父啊，求你因你赐给我的名，保守他们，使他们合而为一，好象我们一样。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭17:11‬ ‭

“I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:11‬ ‭

The obituary for Alan Nanninga identified him as “foremost, a dedicated witness for Christ.” After a description of his family life and career, the article mentioned nearly a decade of declining health. It concluded by saying, “His hospital stays . . . earned him the honorary title of ‘The Praying Patient’” because of his ministry to other patients. Here was a man who, in his times of distress, reached out to pray for and with the people in need around him.

Hours before Judas betrayed Him, Jesus prayed for His disciples. Knowing what was about to happen, Jesus looked beyond Himself to focus on His followers and friends.

During our times of illness and distress, we long for and need the prayers of others. How those prayers help and encourage us! But may we also, like our Lord, lift our eyes to pray for those around us who are in great need.

Lord,
even in our difficult times,
may we honor You and encourage others by praying for those who are suffering today.

Verse from Psalms

“神啊！你的意念对我多么珍贵，数目何等众多。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭139:17‬ ‭

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:17‬ ‭

Often we become so immersed in things we haven’t finished or things we don’t have that we fail to see all the good things around us.

“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Ps. 40:5). How can we even begin to count all the blessings of salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life?

Lord,
Your works are so many and good I can’t count them all.
But I thank You for each one.

Let’s thank God for His countless blessings.

Verse from Numbers

“摩西照着耶和华的命令，把他们出发的路程记下来，他们出发的路程是这样：”
‭‭民数记‬ ‭33:2‬ ‭

“Moses recorded their starting places according to their journeys by the command of the LORD, and these are their journeys according to their starting places.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭33:2‬ ‭

Numbers 33 is a chapter in the Bible we might pass by without reflection. It appears to be nothing more than a long list of places tracing Israel's pilgrimage from Rameses in Egypt to their arrival in the plains of Moab. But it must be important because it’s the only section in Numbers that follows with the words: “At the Lord’s command Moses recorded . . .” (v. 2).

Why keep a record of this? Could it be that this list provides a framework upon which the Israelites emerging from the wilderness could retrace that forty-year journey in their thoughts and recall God's faithfulness at each location?

Envision an Israelite father, sitting near a campfire, reminiscing with his son: “I will never forget Rephidim! I was dying of thirst, nothing but sand and sage for hundreds of miles. Then God directed Moses to take his staff and strike a rock—actually a hard slab of flint. I thought, What a futile gesture; he’ll never get anything out of that stone. But to my amazement water gushed out of that rock! A generous flow that satisfied the thirst of the thousands of Israelites. I’ll never forget that day!” (see Ps. 114:8; Num. 20:8–13; 33:14).

So why not give it a try? Reflect on your life—stage by stage—and remember all the ways God has shown you His faithful, covenant love.

Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Johnson Oatman Jr

Verse from Ezekiel

“你们要把你们所犯的一切罪过弃掉，为自己造一个新的心和新的灵。以色列家啊，你们为甚么要灭亡呢？”
‭‭以西结书‬ ‭18:31‬ ‭

“Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭18:31‬ ‭

When God created humans, He didn’t make robots. God made us in His image, and this means we can think, reason, and make decisions. We’re able to choose between right and wrong. Even if we have made a habit of disobeying God, we can decide to redirect our lives.

When the ancient Israelites found themselves in trouble with God, He spoke to them through the prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel said, “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. . . . Get a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezek. 18:30–31).

This kind of change can begin with just one choice, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:13). It might mean saying no at a critical moment. No more gossip. No more greed. No more ___________. (You fill in the blank.) If you know Jesus, you’re not a slave to sin. You can choose to change, and with God’s help, this personal revolution can start today.

Dear God,
all things are possible with You.
Through the power of Jesus’s resurrection help me to take the first step toward a life of greater devotion to You.

For a new start, ask God for a new heart.

Verse from Luke

“人若赚得全世界，却丧失自己，或赔上自己，有甚么好处呢？”
‭‭路加福音‬ ‭9:25‬ ‭

“For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:25‬ ‭

There was this man who once had a picture in his office of a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer with the caption, "Who says you can't take it with you?" While it is humorous, it is also wrong ... DEAD wrong.

If we lose our souls in the pursuit of things, what of lasting value have we gained? Is it worth losing the only thing that really matters?

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“他对我说：「我的恩典够你用的，因为我的能力是在人的软弱上显得完全。」所以，我更喜欢夸自己的软弱，好叫基督的能力覆庇我。”
‭‭哥林多后书‬ ‭12:9‬

“And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭

Our limitation, whatever it may be, is a gift from God, and it is with this gift that we are to serve Him. This gift and not another. This is true of all of us, whether our limits are emotional, physical, or intellectual.

Seeing our so-called liabilities this way enables us to go about our business with confidence and courage. Rather than complain, feel sorry for ourselves, or opt out, we make ourselves available to God for His intended purposes.

Our task today is just to accept things as they are and to be content, knowing that in the love, wisdom, and providence of God this moment is as good as it can possibly be.

Dear Lord,
I know that You are good and You love me.
I trust You to give me everything I need for today.

Verse from Jeremiah

“你不要怕他们，因为我与你同在，要拯救你。” 这是耶和华的宣告。”
‭‭耶利米书‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭

“"Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭

When Darmani served as an intern for a Christian magazine, he wrote a story about a person who had become a Christian. In a dramatic change, he said goodbye to his former life and embraced his new Master: Jesus. A few days after the magazine hit the street, an anonymous caller threatened, “Be careful, Darmani. We are watching you! Your life is in danger in this country if you write such stories.”

That was not the only time he has been threatened for pointing people to Christ. But these were only verbal threats. Many Christians have had threats carried out against them. In some cases simply living a godly lifestyle attracts mistreatment from people.

The Lord told Jeremiah, “You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you” (Jer. 1:7), and Jesus told His disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” (Matt. 10:16). Yes, we may encounter threats, hardships, and even pain.

But God assures us of His presence. “I am with you,” He told Jeremiah (Jer. 1:8), and Jesus assured His followers, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20).

Whatever struggles we face in our attempt to live for the Lord, we can trust in the Lord’s presence.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

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 answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:40‬ ‭

Several years ago when the Southern California economy took a downturn, Pastor Bob Johnson saw not only difficulty but also opportunity. So he scheduled a meeting with the mayor of his city and asked, “What can our church do to help you?” The mayor was astonished. People usually came to him for help. Here was a minister offering him the services of an entire congregation.

Together the mayor and pastor came up with a plan to address several pressing needs. In their county alone, more than 20,000 seniors had gone the previous year without a single visitor. Hundreds of foster children needed families. And many other kids needed tutoring to help them succeed in school.

Some of those needs could be addressed without much financial investment, but they all required time and interest. And that’s what the church had to give.

Jesus told His disciples about a future day in which He would say to His faithful followers, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance” (Matt. 25:34).

God’s kingdom work gets done when we give generously of the time, love, and resources He has provided us.

Giving isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for all of us.

Verse from Psalms

“因你的慈爱比生命更好，我的嘴唇要颂赞你。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭63:3‬ ‭

“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63:3‬ ‭

On a recent airline flight the landing was a little rough, jostling the passengers left and right down the runway. Some of the them were visibly nervous, but the tension broke when two little girls cheered, “Yeah! Let’s do that again!”

Children are open to new adventures and see life with humble, wide-eyed wonder. Perhaps this is part of what Jesus had in mind when He said that we have to “receive the kingdom of God like a little child” (Mark 10:15).

Life has its challenges and heartaches. Few knew this better than Jeremiah, who is also called “the weeping prophet.” But in the middle of Jeremiah’s troubles, God encouraged him with an amazing truth: “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lam. 3:22–23 nlt).

God’s fresh mercies can break into our lives at any moment. They are always there, and we see them when we live with childlike expectation—watching and waiting for what only He can do. Jeremiah knew that God’s goodness is not defined only by our immediate circumstances and that His faithfulness is greater than life’s rough places. Look for God’s fresh mercies today.

God is greater than anything that happens to us.

Verse from John

“我不会撇下你们为孤儿，我要回到你们这里来。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭14:18‬ ‭

“"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:18‬ ‭

“A journey” describes life in this broken world. On the way we encounter mountains and valleys, rivers and plains, crowded highways and lonely roads—highs and lows, joys and sorrows, conflict and loss, heartache and solitude. We can’t see the road ahead, so we must take it as it comes, not as we wish it would be.

The follower of Christ, however, never faces this journey alone. The Scriptures remind us of the constant presence of God. There is nowhere we can go that He is not there (Ps. 139:7–12). He will never leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5).

The challenges and opportunities we face on our journey can be met confidently, for God has promised us His never-failing presence.

Loving Lord,
thank You that You not only know the path I take, You walk it with me.
Help me to rely on Your presence, help, and wisdom every day of my journey through life.

Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest.