Verse from Philippians

“我靠着那加给我能力的，凡事都能作。”

腓立比书 4:13

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13

Many of us have grown soft and spoiled because of all the conveniences that we have allowed into our lives. 

Could we honor God with our praises and thanksgivings if these conveniences were to suddenly vanish? Are we relying on our own strengths or on His strength? 

May we be able to live with the assurance that we can withstand any situation with the help of Christ.

Verse from Ephesians

“我们原是神所作成的，是在基督耶稣里创造的，为的是要我们行各样的善事，就是神预先所安排的。”

以弗所书 2:10

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10

David was struck by a phrase he heard quoted from a contemporary Bible translation. When he Googled the phrase “our way of life” to locate the passage, many of the results focused on things people felt were threatening their expected way of living. Prominent among the perceived threats were climate change, terrorism, and government policies.

What really is our way of life as followers of Jesus? He wondered. Is it what makes us comfortable, secure, and happy, or is it something more?

Paul reminded the Christians in Ephesus of the remarkable way God had transformed their lives. “God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2:4-5 nrsv). The result is that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life” (v. 10 nrsv).

Doing good works, helping others, giving, loving, and serving in Jesus’s name—these are to be our way of life. They are not optional activities for believers, but the very reason God has given us life in Christ.

In a changing world, God has called and empowered us to pursue a life that reaches out to others and honors Him.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“如果有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已经过去，你看，都变成新的了！”

哥林多后书 5:17

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

2 Corinthians 5:17

Chris Baker is a tattoo artist who transforms symbols of pain and enslavement into works of art. Many of his clients are former gang members and victims of human trafficking who have been marked with identifying names, symbols, or codes. Chris transforms these into beautiful art by tattooing over them with new images.

Jesus does for the soul what Chris Baker does for the skin—He takes us as we are and transforms us. The Bible says, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:17 nlt). Before knowing Christ, we follow our desires wherever they lead us, and our lifestyles reflect this. When we repent and begin to walk with Christ, the passions and pitfalls that once dominated our lives are the “old life” (1 Cor. 6:9–11) that fades away as we are transformed. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ” (2 Cor. 5:18).

Still, life as a “new person” isn’t always easy. It can take time to disconnect from old habits. We may struggle with ideas that were foundational to our old way of life. Yet over time, God’s Holy Spirit works in us, giving us inner strength and an understanding of Christ’s love. As God’s beautiful new creations, we’re free to leave the past behind. 

Verse from Hebrews

“因此，我们必须更加密切注意所听过的道理，免得我们随流失去。”

希伯来书 2:1

“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.”

Hebrews 2:1

At the end of one school semester, Lawrence and his wife picked up their daughter from her school 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. On their way back home they detoured to a nearby beach resort for snacks. While enjoying their time there, they watched the boats at the seashore. Usually they are anchored to prevent them from drifting away, but he noticed one boat drifting unhindered among the others—slowly and steadily making its way out to sea.

As they drove home, he reflected on the timely caution given to believers in the book of Hebrews: "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away" (Heb. 2:1). We have good reason to stay close. The author of Hebrews says that while the Mosaic law was reliable and needed to be obeyed, the message of the Son of God is far superior. Our salvation is  “so great” in Jesus that He shouldn’t be ignored (v. 3).

Drifting in our relationship with God is hardly noticeable at first; it happens gradually. However, spending time talking with Him in prayer and reading His Word, confessing our wrongs to Him, and interacting with other followers of Jesus can help us stay anchored in Him. As we connect with the Lord regularly, He will be faithful to sustain us, and we can avoid drifting away.

To avoid drifting away from God, stay anchored to the Rock.

Verse from 1 Peter

“照样，你们作丈夫的，也要合情合理的与妻子同住。要体谅她比你软弱，要尊敬她，因为她是和你一同承受生命的恩典的。这样，就使你们的祷告不受拦阻。”

彼得前书 3:7

“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.”

1 Peter 3:7

When the minister asked one of his elders to lead the congregation in prayer, the man shocked everyone. “I’m sorry, Pastor,” he said, “but I’ve been arguing with my wife all the way to church, and I’m in no condition to pray.” The next moment was awkward. The minister prayed. The service moved on. Later, the pastor vowed never to ask anyone to pray publicly without first asking privately.

That man demonstrated astonishing honesty in a place where hypocrisy would have been easier. But there is a larger lesson about prayer here. God is a loving Father. If I as a husband do not respect and honor my wife—a cherished daughter of God—why would her heavenly Father hear my prayers?

The apostle Peter made an interesting observation about this. He instructed husbands to treat their wives with respect and as equal heirs in Christ “so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Peter 3:7). The underlying principle is that our relationships affect our prayer life.

What would happen if we exchanged the Sunday smiles and the façade of religiosity for refreshing honesty with our brothers and sisters? What might God do through us when we pray and learn to love each other as we love ourselves?

Father, 

You love all of Your children, 

but so often we fight and disagree. 

Help us learn to interact with love and respect in all our relationships so the world will see the difference You make. 

Teach us to pray.

Verse from Psalms

“他把我从荒芜的坑里，从泥沼中拉上来；他使我的脚站在盘石上，又使我的脚步稳定。”

诗篇 40:2

“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.”

Psalms 40:2

The historic riverwalk area of Savannah, Georgia, is paved with mismatched cobblestones. Local residents say that centuries ago the stones provided ballast for ships as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean. When cargo was loaded in Georgia, the ballast stones were no longer needed, so they were used to pave the streets near the docks. Those stones had accomplished their primary job—stabilizing the ship through dangerous waters.

The days in which we live can feel as turbulent as the high seas. Like sailing ships of old, we need stability to help us navigate our way through the storms of life. David faced danger as well, and he celebrated the character of God for providing him with stability after he had endured a desperate time. He declared, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit; out of the mud and mire, he set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand” (Ps. 40:2). David’s experience was one of conflict, personal failure, and family strife, yet God gave him a place to stand. So David sang “a hymn of praise to our God” (v. 3).

In times of difficulty, we too can look to our powerful God for the stability only He brings. His faithful care inspires us to say with David, “Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us” (v. 5). 

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’s blood and righteousness; 

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 

but wholly lean on Jesus’s name. 

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand—all other ground is sinking sand. Edward Mote

When the world around us is crumbling, Christ is the solid Rock on which we stand.

Insight 

Psalm 40 is a beautiful song of thanksgiving to God for His deliverance. The key to understanding and appreciating this psalm is seen in the simplicity of the opening words. David knows and celebrates the deliverance of the Lord because he “waited patiently” for Him (v. 1). In our times of trial and struggle, we want to be delivered quickly and in ways that are simple to see. But David reminds us that God’s deliverance comes in God’s timing. We, like David, must wait patiently for the Lord if we are to see His wonders (v. 5).

Verse from Hebrews

...“我决不撇下你，也不离弃你。””

希伯来书 13:5

..."I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"”

Hebrews 13:5

The writer to the Hebrews comforted his readers by quoting Deuteronomy 31:6, where God told His people: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). In the darkest moments of life, the assurance of His loving presence gives us confidence that we are not alone. He gives us the grace to endure, the wisdom to know He is working, and the assurance that Christ can “empathize with our weaknesses” (4:15).

Together let’s embrace the blessing of His loving presence so we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (13:6).

Lord, 

thank You for the promise that You will never leave me. 

May the reality of Your constant supporting presence fill my heart with comfort, confidence, and courage.

There is peace in the presence of God.

Verse from Ephesians

“作事不要只作给人看，像那些讨人欢心的一样，却要像基督的仆人，从心里遵行神的旨意，”

以弗所书 6:6

“not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

Ephesians 6:6

“I’m a secretary,” her friend told Keila. “When I tell people this, they sometimes look at me with a certain pity. But when they find out who I am secretary for, they open their eyes with admiration!” In other words, society often defines some jobs as less important than others, unless those jobs happen to relate in some way to rich or famous people.

For the child of God, however, any occupation, regardless of the earthly boss, can be held proudly because we serve the Lord Jesus.

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks to servants and masters. He reminds both groups that we serve one Master who is in heaven. So we need to do everything with sincerity of heart, integrity, and respect because we are serving and working for Christ Himself. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” (Eph. 6:7).

What a privilege to serve God in everything we do, whether answering a phone or driving a car or doing housework or running a business. 

Let us work with a smile today, remembering that no matter what we are doing, we are serving God.

Verse from Philippians

“我的神必照他在基督耶稣里荣耀的丰富，满足你们的一切需要。”

腓立比书 4:19

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

Tristan da Cunha Island is famous for its isolation. It is the most remote inhabited island in the world, thanks to the 288 people who call it home. The island is located in the South Atlantic Ocean, 1,750 miles from South Africa—the nearest mainland. Anyone who might want to drop by for a visit has to travel by boat for seven days because the island has no airstrip.

Jesus and His followers were in a somewhat remote area when He produced a miraculous meal for thousands of hungry people. Before His miracle, Jesus said to His disciples, “[These people] have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way” (Mark 8:2-3). Because they were in the countryside where food was not readily available, they had to depend fully on Jesus. They had nowhere else to turn.

Sometimes God allows us to end up in desolate places where He is our only source of help. His ability to provide for us is not necessarily linked with our circumstances. If He created the entire world out of nothing, God can certainly meet our needs—whatever our circumstances—out of the riches of His glory, in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

Dear God, 

thank You for all that You have provided through Your Son, Jesus Christ. 

You know what my needs are. 

Please reassure me of Your care and power.

We can trust God to do what we cannot do.

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“你们要追求爱...”

哥林多前书 14:1

“Follow the way of love...”

1 Corinthians 14:1

Love does more than make “the world go round,” as an old song says. It also makes us immensely vulnerable. From time to time, we may say to ourselves: “Why love when others do not show appreciation?” or “Why love and open myself up to hurt?” But the apostle Paul gives a clear and simple reason to pursue love: “These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love” (1 Cor. 13:13–14:1).

“Love is an activity, the essential activity of God himself,” writes Bible commentator C. K. Barrett, “and when men love either Him or their fellow-men, they are doing (however imperfectly) what God does.” And God is pleased when we act like Him.

To begin following the way of love, think about how you might live out the characteristics listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. For example, how can I show my child the same patience God shows me? How can I show kindness and respect for my parents? What does it mean to look out for the interests of others when I am at work? When something good happens to my friend, do I rejoice with her or am I envious?

As we “follow the way of love,” we’ll find ourselves often turning to God, the source of love, and to Jesus, the greatest example of love. Only then will we gain a deeper knowledge of what true love is and find the strength to love others like God loves us. 

God, 

thank You that You are love and that You love me so much. 

Help me to love others the way Jesus showed us so that the whole world will know I am Your child.

Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Insight

Love has been defined as sacrificial giving of one’s time, money, or energy while expecting nothing in return. Certainly this definition is a good starting point. But today’s inspired reading explores a deeper love, one that is demonstrated through a heart yielded to God. 

Verse from Daniel

“王说：“但我见有四个人，并没有绑着，在火中走来走去，也没有受伤，并且那第四个的样貌好象神子。””

但以理书 3:25

“He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!"”

Daniel 3:25

This is part of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3. Their faith is solid whether God chooses to save them from the fire, or not. God not only saves them, but those who intended to execute them become the key witnesses of their faith and God's miraculous deliverance. 

They are not only sons of the One True God, but they are also examples to all of us who are tempted to compromise our faith to get along in a society that has lost all respect for the Almighty God.

Verse from Psalm

“神在他的圣居所，作孤儿的父亲，作寡妇的伸冤者。”

诗篇 68:5

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.”

Psalm 68:5

The scene belonged on a funny Father’s Day card. As a dad muscled a lawn mower ahead of him with one hand, he expertly towed a child’s wagon behind him with the other. In the wagon sat his three-year-old daughter, delighted at the noisy tour of their yard. This might not be the safest choice, but who says men can’t multitask?

If you had a good dad, a scene like that can invoke fantastic memories. But for many, “Dad” is an incomplete concept. Where are we to turn if our fathers are gone, or if they fail us, or even if they wound us?

King David certainly had his shortcomings as a father, but he understood the paternal nature of God. “A father to the fatherless,” he wrote, “a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families” (Ps. 68:5–6). 

The apostle Paul expanded on that idea: “The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.” Then, using the Aramaic word for father—a term young children would use for their dad—Paul added, “By him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’ ” (Rom. 8:15). This is the same word Jesus used when He prayed in anguish to His Father the night He was betrayed (Mark 14:36).

What a privilege to come to God using the same intimate term for “father” that Jesus used! Our Abba Father welcomes into His family anyone who will turn to Him.

Verse from 1 John

“因为凡从神生的就胜过世界。使我们胜过世界的，就是我们的信心。”

约翰壹书 5:4

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”

1 John 5:4

Each year on June 18 the great Battle of Waterloo is recalled in what is now Belgium. On that day in 1815, Napoleon’s French army was defeated by a multinational force commanded by the Duke of Wellington. Since then, the phrase “to meet your Waterloo” has come to mean “to be defeated by someone who is too strong for you or by a problem that is too difficult for you.”

When it comes to our spiritual lives, some people feel that ultimate failure is inevitable and it’s only a matter of time until each of us will “meet our Waterloo.” But John refuted that pessimistic view when he wrote to followers of Jesus: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

John weaves this theme of spiritual victory throughout his first letter as he urges us not to love the things this world offers, which will soon fade away (2:15–17). Instead, we are to love and please God, “And this is what he promised us—eternal life” (v. 25).

While we may have ups and downs in life, and even some battles that feel like defeats, the ultimate victory is ours in Christ as we trust in His power.

Lord Jesus, 

Your ultimate victory in this fallen world is assured, 

and You ask us to share in it each day of our lives. 

By Your grace,

enable us to overcome the world through faith and obedience to You.

When it comes to problems, the way out is to trust God on the way through.

Verse from Nehemiah

“他们宣读神的律法，把意义清楚翻译出来，使众民明白所宣读的。”

尼希米记 8:8

“They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.”

Nehemiah 8:8

When the sun came up on the first day of the seventh month in 444 bc, Ezra started reading the law of Moses (what we know as the first five books of the Bible). Standing on a platform in front of the people in Jerusalem, he read it straight through for the next six hours.  

Men, women, and children had gathered at the entrance to the city known as the Water Gate to observe the Festival of Trumpets—one of the feasts prescribed for them by God. As they listened, four reactions stand out.

They stood up in reverence for the Book of the Law (Neh. 8:5). They praised God by lifting their hands and saying “Amen.” They bowed down in humble worship (v. 6). Then they listened carefully as the Scriptures were both read and explained to them (v. 8). What an amazing day as the book that “the Lord had commanded for Israel” (v. 1) was read aloud inside Jerusalem’s newly rebuilt walls!

Ezra’s marathon reading session can remind us that God’s words to us are still meant to be a source of praise, worship, and learning. When we open the Bible and learn more about Christ, let’s praise God, worship Him, and seek to discover what He is saying to us. 

Lord, 

thank You for this amazing book we call the Bible.

Thank You for inspiring its creation by the writers You chose to pen its words. 

Thank You for preserving this book through the ages so we can learn Your people’s story and the good news of Your love.

The goal of Bible study is not just learning but living.

Verse from Judges

“耶和华为他们兴起士师的时候，耶和华就与那士师同在；那士师在世的日子，耶和华总是拯救他们脱离仇敌的手；因为他们在压迫和苦害他们的人底下发出哀声，耶和华就怜悯他们。”

士师记 2:18

“When the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge and delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them.”

Judges 2:18

The ancient Israelites struggled with ignoring instructions with predictably disastrous results: they would forget God, ignoring His instructions to avoid following after Baal and the other gods of the region (Judg. 2:12). This produced disastrous results, until God, in His mercy, raised up judges to rescue them and bring them back to Himself (v. 18).

God has reasons for all of the instructions He’s given us to keep our affections on Him. Only by a daily awareness of His loving presence can we resist the temptation to “construct” our lives our own way. What great gifts He has given us in His Word and His presence! 

Lord, 

keep me close to You this day. 

Remind me of Your presence through Your Word and prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Verse from Philippians

“弟兄们，你们要一同效法我，也要留意那些照着我们给你们的榜样而行的人。”

腓立比书 3:17

“Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”

Philippians 3:17

"I would rather see a sermon any day, than hear one." It's not distressing because people want to "see a sermon," but because so many of us don't "practice what we preach." 

As leaders — whether as friends, parents, or in positions of authority — our primary tool of influence is our life of character (or lack of it). 

Do you practice what you "preach"? 

Most folks need to both hear and see the message before it becomes a part of them.

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

Hearing testimonies about how God did something spectacular in someone else’s life can challenge us. While we may rejoice to hear about answers to prayer, we may also wonder why God hasn’t done anything amazing for us lately.

It’s easy to think that if God showed up in astonishing ways for us like He did for Abraham, then we would be more inspired to be faithful servants of God. But then we remember that God showed up for Abraham every 12 to 14 years, and most of Abraham’s journey was rather ordinary (see Gen. 12:1–4; 15:1–6; 16:16–17:12).

God’s work is usually done behind the scenes in the ordinary things of life. As 1 Corinthians 10 says, “He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out.” Every day God is busy shielding us from devastating onslaughts of Satan that would otherwise leave us helplessly defeated. And when temptation hits, He is making exit ramps for us so we can escape.

When we put our head on the pillow at night, we should pause to thank God for the amazing things He has done for us that day in the midst of our ordinary lives. So, instead of longing for Him to do something spectacular for you, thank Him! He already has. 

Lord, 

help me to be constantly aware that Your power and presence are with me even in the ordinary times in my life. 

Thank You for Your amazing work on my behalf that I know nothing about.

God is always in control behind the scenes, even on “ordinary” days.

 

Insight 

Sometimes we read past the ages of individuals listed in the Bible, unless of course they are shocking in some way (such as Methuselah, who was 969 years old when he died [Gen. 5:27]). When only a few details are recorded, they should be given special attention. We can ask, Why is this here? Abraham’s age in verse four of today’s reading is one such detail. Abraham was 75 when he answered the call to follow God. He grew up in an idolatrous society and a pagan home (Josh. 24:2). Perhaps the reason his age is listed is to show that God calls each person when and how He wills. To us it makes more sense to call a person to travel a great distance and start a large family when he or she is young. But the timing is God’s, even if it doesn’t make sense to us.

Verse from Psalms

“耶和华啊！求你看守我的口，把守我的嘴。”

诗篇 141:3

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Psalms 141:3

When Rebecca stood on stage to speak at a conference, her first sentence into the microphone echoed around the room. It was a bit unsettling for her to hear her own words come back at her, and she had to adjust to the faulty sound system and try to ignore the echo of every word she spoke.

Imagine what it would be like to hear everything we say repeated! It wouldn’t be so bad to hear ourselves repeat "I love you" or "I was wrong" or “Thank You, Lord” or "I'm praying for you." But not all of our words are beautiful or gentle or kind. What about those angry outbursts or demeaning comments that no one wants to hear once, let alone twice—those words that we would really rather take back?

The Lord can and what to help us control what say. He can guard our lips. As we learn to adjust to our own sound system by paying careful attention to what we say and praying about the words we speak, the Lord will patiently teach us and even empower us to have self-control. And best of all, He forgives us when we fail and is pleased with our desire for His help.

Can you think of something you said recently that you would like to take back? 

Ask the Lord to help you become aware of careless words.

Part of self-control is mouth-control.

Verse from Deuteronomy

“但你们在那里必寻求耶和华你的神；如果你一心一意寻找他，就必寻见。”

申命记 4:29

“But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.”

Deuteronomy 4:29

When was the last time you truly searched after God?  It's not about an obscure theological insight about God or another best selling book about God. When was the last time you sought after the Father so that you could know him better and appreciate him more? Let's open our hearts and go on the Great Quest to find God. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, we will find He's waiting and watching for us to come home!

Verse from Matthew

“所以你们要完全，正如你们的天父是完全的。””

马太福音 5:48

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Matthew 5:48

For years Philip thought of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) as a blueprint for human behavior, a standard no one could possibly meet. How could he have missed the true meaning? Jesus spoke these words not to frustrate us, but to tell us what God is like.

Why should we love our enemies? Because our merciful Father causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good. Why store up treasures in heaven? Because the Father lives there and will lavishly reward us. Why live without fear and worry? Because the same God who clothes the lilies and the grass of the field has promised to take care of us. Why pray? If an earthly father gives his son bread or fish, how much more will the Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask?

Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) not only to explain God’s ideal toward which we should never stop striving but also to show that in this life none of us will ever reach that ideal.

Before God, we all stand on level ground: murderers and tantrum-throwers, adulterers and lusters, thieves and coveters. We are all desperate, and that is the only state appropriate to a human being who wants to know God. Having fallen from the absolute ideal, we have nowhere to land but in the safety net of absolute grace.

Only God can transform a sinful soul into a masterpiece of grace.

Verse from Jeremiah

“你为自己所做的神在哪里？你遭遇患难时，如果他们能救你，就让他们起来吧！犹大啊！你的城有多少，你的神也有多少！”

耶利米书 2:28

“"But where are your gods Which you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you In the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities Are your gods, O Judah.”

Jeremiah 2:28

Let's focus on one simple concept today. Based on the allocation of our time, interest, lifestyle, expenditures of money, and speech, who or what is our god? Is it the Lord God?

Verses 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；各人不要单顾自己的事，也要顾别人的事。”

腓立比书 2:3-4

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

Two men sat down to review their business trip and its results. One said he thought the trip had been worthwhile because some meaningful new relationships had begun through their business contacts. The other said, “Relationships are fine, but selling is what matters most.” Obviously they had very different agendas.

It is all too easy—whether in business, family, or church—to view others from the perspective of how they can benefit us. We value them for what we can get from them, rather than focusing on how we can serve them in Jesus’s name. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Phil. 2:3–4).

People are not to be used for our own benefit. Because they are loved by God and we are loved by Him, we love one another. His love is the greatest love of all. 

Teach me, Lord, 

to see people as You do — 

bearing Your image, 

being worthy of Your love, 

and needing Your care. 

May Your great love find in my heart a vessel through which that love can be displayed.

Joy comes from putting another’s needs ahead of our own.

Verse from Philippians

“我处于两难之间，情愿离世与基督同在，因为那是好得无比的。”

腓立比书 1:23

“But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;”

Philippians 1:23

A siren wailed outside a little boy’s house. Unfamiliar with the sound, he asked his mother what it was. She explained that it was meant to alert people of a dangerous storm. She said that if people did not take cover, they might die as a result of the tornado. The boy replied, “Mommy, why is that a bad thing? If we die, don’t we meet Jesus?”

Little children don’t always understand what it means to die. But Paul, who had a lifetime of experience, wrote something similar: “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Phil. 1:23). The apostle was under house arrest at the time, but his statement wasn’t fueled by despair. He was rejoicing because his suffering was causing the gospel to spread (vv. 12–14).

So why would Paul be torn between a desire for life and death? Because to go on living would mean “fruitful labor.” But if he died he knew he would enjoy a special kind of closeness with Christ. To be absent from our bodies is to be home with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:6–8).

People who believe in the saving power of Jesus’s death and resurrection will be with Him forever. It’s been said, “All’s well that ends in heaven.” Whether we live or die, we win. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Dear Jesus, 

help me to keep my eyes on You, whether I face difficulty in life or death. 

Let me find security and peace in You.

Verse from Mark

“那人就走了，开始在低加波利传讲耶稣为他所作的大事，众人都希奇。”

马可福音 5:20

“And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.”

Mark 5:20 

Many people panic when they are asked to share about Jesus to others. They turn to pamphlets, turn to scripts to help them out, but sometimes all they need to do is just to share their personal story of how the Lord has brought them back to His kingdom. 

After Jesus healed the man with an evil spirit, He told him, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). 

The man didn’t need to preach a powerful sermon; he simply needed to share his story. 

No matter what our conversion experience is, we can do what that man did: “[He] went away and began to tell . . . how much Jesus had done for him.”

What has Jesus done for you? Tell it! You don't need to be a Pastor to share what Jesus has done for you. 

Verse from Psalms

“耶和华啊！我知道你的判语是公义的，为了你的信实，你使我受苦。”

诗篇 119:75

“I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.”

Psalms 119:75

During World War II Dennis's dad served with the US Army in the South Pacific. During that time his Dad rejected any idea of religion, saying, “I don’t need a crutch.” Yet the day came when his attitude toward spiritual things would change forever. 

Dennis's mom had gone into labor with their third child, and his brother and him went to bed with the excitement of soon seeing their new brother or sister. When he got out of bed the next morning, he excitedly asked his dad, “Is it a boy or a girl?” He replied, “It was a little girl but she was born dead.” They began to weep together at their loss.

For the first time, his dad took his broken heart to Jesus in prayer. At that moment he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and comfort from God, though his daughter would always be irreplaceable. Soon he began to take an interest in the Bible and continued to pray to the One who was healing his broken heart. His faith grew through the years. He became a strong follower of Jesus—serving Him as a Bible-study teacher and a leader in his church.

Jesus is not a crutch for the weak. He is the source of new spiritual life! When we’re broken, He can make us new and whole (Ps. 119:75).

What is on your heart that you need to talk with God about? 

Bring Him your brokenness and ask Him to make you whole.

Brokenness can lead to wholeness.

Verses from Daniel

“但以理在王面前回答说：“王所问的那隐秘的事，没有智慧人、用法术的、术士和占星家能向王解释；只有一位在天上的神能把一切隐秘的事显明；他已经把日后将要发生的事告诉你尼布甲尼撒王了。你的梦和你躺在床上时脑海中出现的异象就是这样：”

但以理书 2:27-28

“Daniel answered before the king and said, "As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king. However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed.”

Daniel 2:27-28

What is the bedrock of your faith in uncertain times? Who knows where all the upheaval, tumult, and uncertainty are truly heading? In whom can you find the solution to your most perplexing problems? 

For Daniel and his friends, there was one solid and true answer: the Lord God of Israel. It wasn't in the so-called wise teachers of the day. It wasn't in the religions of the East. It wasn't in the super-spiritualists. It was in God alone.

What about u?

Verse from 1 Peter

“讲道的，应当按着神的圣言讲；服事的，应当按着神所赐的力量服事，为要在一切事上，使神藉耶稣基督得荣耀。荣耀、权能都是他的，直到永永远远。阿们。”

彼得前书 4:11

“Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:11

On a hot day in western Texas, Vania saw a woman standing by a stoplight and holding up a sign. As she drove closer, she tried to read what the sign said, assuming it was a request for food or money. Instead, she was surprised to see these three words:

                      “You Have Purpose”

God has created each of us for a specific purpose. Primarily that purpose is to bring honor to Him, and one way we do that is by meeting the needs of others (1 Peter 4:10–11).

A mother of young children may find purpose in wiping runny noses and telling her kids about Jesus. An employee in an unsatisfying job might find his purpose in doing his work conscientiously, remembering it is the Lord he is serving (Col. 3:23–24). A woman who has lost her sight still finds purpose in praying for her children and grandchildren and influencing them to trust God.

Psalm 139 says that before we were born “all the days ordained for [us] were written in [His] book" (v. 16). We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” to bring glory to our Creator (v. 14).

Never forget: You have purpose!

Lord, 

it often seems that our lives swing from drudgery to challenges we don’t want. 

Today help us to see You in the midst of whatever faces us. 

Show us a small glimpse of the purpose and meaning You bring to everything.

Even when everything seems meaningless, God still has a purpose for your life.

Verse from Isaiah

“但那些仰望耶和华的人，必重新得力；他们必像鹰一样展翅上腾；他们奔跑，也不困倦，他们行走，也不疲乏。”

以赛亚书 40:31

“Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

Isaiah 40:31

Weariness—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—comes to us all. Isaiah reminds us that although we become tired, the Lord, the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth “will not grow tired or weary” (v. 28). How easily we can forget that in every situation “[the Lord] gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (v. 29).

What’s it like on your journey today? If fatigue has caused you to forget God’s presence and power, why not pause and recall His promise. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (v. 31). Here. Now. Right where we are.

Lord, 

thank You that You do not grow weary. 

Give me the strength to face whatever situation I am in today.

Verse from Hebrews

“所以，我们只管坦然无惧地来到施恩的宝座前，为的是要领受怜悯，得到恩惠，作为及时的帮助。”

希伯来书 4:16

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16

Claris was so happy for her friend when she told her she was going to be a mum! Together they counted the days until the birth. But when the baby suffered a brain injury during delivery, her heart broke and she didn’t know how to pray. All she knew was who she should pray to—God. He is our Father, and He hears us when we call.

She knew that God was capable of miracles. He brought Jairus’s daughter back to life (Luke 8:49-55) and in so doing also healed the girl of whatever disease had robbed her of life. So she asked Him to bring healing for her friend’s baby too.

But what if God doesn’t heal? She wondered. Surely He doesn’t lack the power. Could it be He doesn’t care? She thought of Jesus’s suffering on the cross and the explanation that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Then she remembered the questions of Job and how he learned to see the wisdom of God as shown in the creation around him (Job 38–39).

Slowly she saw how God calls them to Him in the details of their lives. In God’s grace, they learned together what it means to call on the Lord and to trust Him—whatever the outcome. 

Verse from 2 Chronicles

“耶和华的眼目遍察全地，一心归向他的，他必以大能扶助他们；你作这事太愚昧了。从今以后，你必常有战争。””

历代志下 16:9

“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."”

2 Chronicles 16:9

Life seems straightforward in the laws of the Old Testament. Obey God and get blessed. Disobey Him and expect trouble. It’s a satisfying theology. But is it that simple?

King Asa’s story seems to fit the pattern. He led his people away from false gods and his kingdom thrived (2 Chron. 15:1–19). Then late in his reign, he depended on himself instead of God (16:2–7) and the rest of his life was marked by war and illness (v. 12).

It’s easy to look at that story and draw a simple conclusion. But when the prophet Hanani warned Asa, he said that God will “strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (16:9). Why do our hearts need strengthening? Because doing the right thing may require courage and perseverance.

Job got the starring role in a cosmic tragedy. His crime? “He [was] blameless and upright” (Job 1:8). Joseph, falsely accused of attempted rape, languished in prison for years—to serve God’s good purposes (Gen. 39:19–41:1). And Jeremiah was beaten and put in stocks (Jer. 20:2). What was the prophet’s offense? Telling the truth to rebellious people (26:15).

Life is not simple, and God’s ways are not our ways. Making the right decision may come at a cost. But in God’s eternal plan, His blessings arrive in due time. 

Lord, 

thank You for the examples of courage and obedience in Your Word. 

Help us learn from their mistakes and from their wise choices, 

as we make our choice to serve You.