Verse from Romans

“其实自从创世以来，神那看不见的事，就如他永恒的大能和神性，都是看得见的，就是从他所造的万物中可以领悟，叫人没有办法推诿。”
‭‭罗马书‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭

Romans 1:20 declares that the intricacies of our universe point to a Designer and are proofs for the existence of God. Another Scripture that describes how creation points to God is Psalm 19. Captivated and awed by the immensity and beauty of the skies, David simply declares that God exists: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (v. 1). The majestic creation testifies to the presence and power of the even more majestic Creator God.

David reflects on how God has revealed Himself to mankind so that we can know Him. God reveals Himself through His created works (vv. 1–6) and His spoken Word (vv. 7–11). In response, David prays for an obedient and faithful life (vv. 12–14).

How does the wonder of creation speak to you about God? Sim Kay Tee

Verse from Ezekiel

“我必用清水洒在你们身上，你们就洁净了。我要洁净你们，使你们脱离一切的污秽，弃掉一切的偶像。”
‭‭以西结书‬ ‭36:25‬

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.”
‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36:25‬ ‭

God’s cleansing washes away all of our impurities. We see in the book of Ezekiel that God is calling His people back to Himself as Ezekiel shared God’s message of love and forgiveness. The Israelites had sinned as they proclaimed their allegiance to other gods and other nations.

The Lord, however, was merciful in welcoming them back to Himself. He promised to cleanse them “from all [their] impurities and all [their] idols” (36:25). As He put His Spirit in them (v. 27), He would bring them to a place of fruitfulness, not famine (v. 30).

As in the days of the prophet Ezekiel, today the Lord welcomes us back to Him if we go astray. When we submit ourselves to His will and His ways, He transforms us as He washes us clean from our sins. With His Holy Spirit dwelling within us, He helps us to follow Him day by day.

Lord God,
Teach me to submit to You daily that I might grow more and more closely into the likeness of Jesus.

Verses from Galatians

“肉体所行的都是显而易见的，就如淫乱、污秽、邪荡、拜偶像、行邪术、仇恨、争竞、忌恨、忿怒、自私、分党、结派、嫉妒、醉酒、荒宴，和类似的事。我从前早就告诉过你们，现在又事先告诉你们：行这些事的人，必定不能承受　神的国。 但圣灵的果子是仁爱、喜乐、平安、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、温柔、节制；这样的事，是没有律法禁止的。”
‭‭加拉太书‬ ‭5:19-23‬ ‭

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:19-23‬ ‭

As followers of Christ it’s easy to project an image to those around us that we don’t struggle with sin. But God knows better. The war between good and evil that began eons ago continues today within the believer’s heart.

Even though we are redeemed and will one day reign with Christ, we experience the daily struggle between obedience and disobedience.

In today’s reading, Paul lists the kinds of attitudes and behaviors that characterize our fallen nature. But he also lists those godly qualities that reflect Christ’s own character and are pleasing to God.

The challenge of the Christian life is to yield our hearts to the control and direction of the Holy Spirit so we will bear fruit that is honoring to God and benefits those around us.

Verse from Psalms

“关怀穷乏人的有福了；在遭难的日子，耶和华必救他。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭41:1‬ ‭

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41:1‬ ‭

This psalm is a touching reminder of God’s heart for the suffering and an invitation for His people to share in His compassion. Many have speculated about the details of the psalm. Some suggest the scheming and painful betrayal detailed in verses 5–9 fit with the period of David’s life when his son Absalom attempted to steal the throne, a rebellion supported by David’s counselor Ahithophel. In the New Testament, Jesus applied the psalm to Himself in reference to Judas’s betrayal (see John 13:18).

The psalm’s opening verses introduce the foundation for compassion—God’s own heart, which is so focused on the poor and suffering that His blessing rests on those who care about them (vv. 1–3). The word weak or poor (v. 1) includes connotations of poverty, weakness, and helplessness. When we “consider” (v. 1 nkjv) the poor, we follow the example of Jesus—who had such compassion that He Himself became poor for us, leaving heaven to live among us as a human (2 Cor. 8:9).

Verse from Isaiah

“人必称他们为圣洁的子民，为耶和华买赎回来的人；你也必称为被爱慕的，不被遗弃的城。”
‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭62:12‬ ‭

“And they will call them, "The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD "; And you will be called, "Sought out, a city not forsaken."”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭62:12‬ ‭

After seventy years of captivity in Babylon, God returned the Jews to Jerusalem and Judah. Isaiah describes the delight God has in them, and the work of preparing the highways for their pilgrimage home and the gates to receive them back. God reaffirms His calling of them as His holy people and restores their honor with a new name (Isa. 62:12). He sought them all from the scattered reaches of Babylon to bring them back to Himself.

Like the children of Israel, we too are God’s beloved children, earnestly sought after by Him. Though our sin once caused us isolation from Him, Jesus’s sacrifice paves our way back to Him. He searches for each of us intently among all the others, waiting expectantly to fold us into a heartfelt embrace.

Verse from Luke

“我已经把这些事从头考查过，认为也应该按着次序写给你，”
‭‭路加福音‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭

“With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭

Luke was a highly educated physician in the Greek academic tradition. As a result, his word choice and grammar are eloquent and descriptive. Today’s reading is an introduction to his narrative of the life of Christ. We can be assured that what Luke writes is not based on hearsay but is deeply rooted in a well-documented eyewitness record of Jesus as the Christ.

It’s interesting to note that the book is addressed to Theophilus, which in Greek means “lover of God.” Most believe Theophilus was an actual person, but others say this name is a term that could refer to any of us who are lovers of God and yearn to learn more about His dear Son.

Our faith is not based on hearsay or wishful thinking. It is rooted in the well-documented life of Jesus, who came to give us peace with God. His Story stands.

Verse from James

“每一个人受试探，都是被自己的私欲所勾引诱惑的。”
‭‭雅各书‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭

“but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭‬ ‭

The word translated “tempted” or “tempting” (used four times in James 1:13) comes from the Greek word peirasmos, which has two basic meanings.

The first is to test the genuineness of one’s faith. This is the meaning in verses 2–4 when James encourages believers who are tempted to rejoice because “the testing of your faith” brings maturity.

The second meaning, “to entice to sin or to do evil,” is intended in verses 13–15. God will not tempt or entice us to sin. His perfect holiness, purity, and goodness ensure this. Instead, the enticement to sin comes from our own sinful desires. This is the meaning of peirasmos in Matthew 26:38–41.

In the garden of Gethsemane, as Christ was struggling with the necessity of going to the cross, He asked His disciples to pray with Him; instead, they slept. Jesus cautioned, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (v. 41). As we turn our temptations over to God in prayer, He will “provide a way out so that [we] can endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

Reflect on Psalm 119:9–11. What do these verses say will help us overcome temptation? Sim Kay Tee

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 ‭

“Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble towards one another, always considering others better than yourselves.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭

Many scholars believe the apostle Paul embedded an early hymn in his letter to the Philippians. Chapter 2:6–11 is comprised of six couplets that seem to lend themselves to an ancient form of singing. These carefully crafted lines show what it means to believe in and follow Christ.

In stark contrast to other kings of the world, Jesus gave up the glory and honor of heaven to be crowned with the thorns and mockery of His crucifixion. Instead of using others for His own pleasure, He sacrificed Himself to lovingly come to our rescue.

Christ’s selfless sacrifice impacted Paul. He mirrored what Christ suffered for us when he showed his willingness to suffer for others.

Jesus,
You gave us the model of humility when You left heaven’s splendors to become a humble servant on earth.
Help us practice Christlike humility in everything we do.

Verse from Psalms

“我向你承认我的罪，没有隐藏我的罪孽；我说：“我要向耶和华承认我的过犯”；你就赦免我的罪孽。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭32:5‬ ‭

“I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "; And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:5‬ ‭

King David rested in forgiveness through confession (Ps. 32:1–2). He had hidden his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam. 11–12) until his “strength was sapped” (Ps. 32:3–4).

But once David refused to “cover up” his wrongs, the Lord erased his guilt (v. 5). God protected him “from trouble” and wrapped him in “songs of deliverance” (v. 7). David rejoiced because the “Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10).

We can’t choose the consequences of our sins or control people’s responses when we confess and seek forgiveness. But the Lord can empower us to enjoy freedom from the bondage of sin and peace through confession, as He confirms that our guilt is gone.

Verse from John

“你们不是说‘还有四个月才到收获的时候’吗？我告诉你们，举目向田观看，庄稼已经熟了，可以收割了。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭4:35‬ ‭

“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:35‬ ‭

Context is significant for understanding the meaning of a passage in Scripture. The context for today’s passage gives some eye-raising information to the original reader. These verses follow the story of the woman at the well. She was a Samaritan, a people-group the Israelites hated.

Jesus’s words “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35) follow John’s statement that the people “came out of the town and made their way toward him” (v. 30). In other words, Jesus was telling the disciples that God’s harvest of people was right in front of them and from a group they would have least expected.

This is partly why Jesus says we reap what we have not worked for. The disciples had not worked for the harvest of Samaritans; indeed, they probably never would have dreamed of working for such a harvest. But our God is a great gardener and He grows fruit where we cannot.

Verse from Psalms

“万军之耶和华与我们同在； 雅各的　神是我们的保障。 ”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭46:11‬ ‭

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:11‬ ‭

“We’ve created more information in the last five years than in all of human history before it, and it’s coming at us all the time” (Daniel Levitin, author of The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload).  “In a sense,” Levitin says, “we become addicted to the hyperstimulation.” The constant barrage of news and knowledge can dominate our minds. In today’s environment of media bombardment, it becomes increasingly difficult to find time to be quiet, to think, and to pray.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God,” reminding us of the necessity to take time to focus on the Lord. Many people find that a “quiet time” is an essential part of each day—a time to read the Bible, pray, and consider the goodness and greatness of God.

When we, like the writer of Psalm 46, experience the reality that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (v. 1), it drives our fear away (v. 2), shifts our focus from the world’s turmoil to God’s peace, and creates a quiet confidence that our Lord is in control (v. 10).

No matter how chaotic the world may become around us, we can find quietness and strength in our heavenly Father’s love and power.

Verse from Esther

“亚哈随鲁王对王后以斯帖和犹大人末底改说：“因为哈曼要下手害犹大人，我已经把哈曼的家产赐给了以斯帖，人也把哈曼挂在木架了。”
‭‭以斯帖记‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭

“So King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "Behold, I have given the house of Haman to Esther, and him they have hanged on the gallows because he had stretched out his hands against the Jews.”
‭‭Esther‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭‬ ‭

Esther is the only book in the Bible in which God’s name is never mentioned. Yet our surprising God often shows His presence when we least expect Him. Haman, who had tried to curry favor with the king to exterminate the Jews, found his plans overturned when God enabled Esther to expose Haman’s sinister plot. Even to this day Jewish people around the world celebrate the Feast of Purim to commemorate God’s intervention to preserve them as His chosen people.

Have you experienced a time when God surprised you by His intervention? Dennis Fisher

Verse from John

“我实实在在告诉你们，你们要痛哭哀号，世人却要欢喜；你们要忧愁，但你们的忧愁要变为喜乐。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭

“Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.”
‭‭John‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭

Kelly’s pregnancy brought complications, and doctors were concerned. During her long labor, they decided to whisk her away for a Cesarean section. But despite the ordeal, Kelly quickly forgot her pain when she held her newborn son. Joy had replaced anguish.

Scripture affirms this truth: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world” (John 16:21). Jesus used this illustration with His disciples to emphasize that though they would grieve because He would be leaving soon, that grief would turn to joy when they saw Him again (vv. 20–22).

Jesus was referring to His death and resurrection—and what followed. After His resurrection, to the disciples’ joy, Jesus spent another forty days walking with and teaching them before ascending and leaving them once again (Acts 1:3). Yet Jesus did not leave them grief-stricken. The Holy Spirit would fill them with joy (John 16:7–15; Acts 13:52).

Though we have never seen Jesus face to face, as believers we have the assurance that one day we will. In that day, the anguish we face in this earth will be forgotten. But until then, the Lord has not left us without joy—He has given us His Spirit (Rom. 15:13; 1 Peter 1:8–9).

Verse from Psalms

“要知道耶和华是神；他创造了我们，我们是属他的；我们是他的子民，也是他草场上的羊。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭100:3‬ ‭

“Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:3‬ ‭

Each of us is an original from God’s hand. There are no self-made men or women. No one ever became talented, buffed, or bright all by himself or herself. God made each of us all by Himself. He thought of us and formed us out of His unspeakable love.

God made your body, mind, and soul. And He isn’t done with you; He is still making you. His single-minded purpose is our maturity: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). God is making you braver, stronger, purer, more peaceful, more loving and less selfish.

“[God’s] unfailing love continues forever and His faithfulness continues to each generation” (Ps. 100:5 nlt). God has always loved you (“forever” goes both ways), and He will be faithful to you to the end.

You’ve been given a love that lasts forever and a God who will never give up on you. That’s a good reason to have joy and to “come before him with joyful songs”! (v. 2).

Verse from Proverbs

“义人的嘴唇培育多人，愚妄人因无知死亡。”
‭‭箴言‬ ‭10:21‬ ‭

“The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:21‬ ‭

There are many who are very wise in the way they speak. When they do speak up, everyone listens attentively because their words are always wise, well-timed, and worthwhile. Their righteous lives and careful use of words blesses and nourishes all who listen.

There are others, however, that are constantly talking about everything and spending little or no time practicing what they preach. Their words are discounted as nothing more than their own desire to hear their own opinions about matters on which they know nothing.

Do you practice what u preach?

Verse from Numbers

“只要你们不背叛耶和华，就不必怕那地的人，因为他们是我们的食物；荫庇他们的，已经离开他们了，耶和华却与我们同在；不要怕他们。””
‭‭民数记‬ ‭14:9‬ ‭

“Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them."”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭14:9‬ ‭

The Israelites let their anxieties paralyze them when they were called to inhabit a rich and fertile land that flowed “with milk and honey” (Ex. 33:3). When they heard the reports of the powerful people in large cities (Num. 13:28), they started to fear. The majority of the Israelites rejected the call to enter the land.

But Joshua and Caleb urged them to trust in the Lord (14:9). Although the people there appeared large, they could trust the Lord to be with them.

What about you—do you face a fearful situation? If so, know that the Lord is with you and will guide you. With His never-failing love, we can move forward in faith.

Verse from Psalms

“他必用自己的羽毛遮盖你，你要投靠在他的翅膀底下；他的信实象盾牌，像坚垒。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭91:4‬ ‭

“He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:4‬ ‭

Psalm 91 is a beautiful expression of confidence in the Lord’s presence and protection. The writer speaks of both physical protection (from arrows, disease, pestilence, plague) and emotional protection from the evils and disasters happening all around (vv. 5–6). But this psalm is also a conversation. The Lord responds to the faith of those who trust Him by saying, “I will rescue him” (v. 14). J.R. Hudberg

Though we go through trouble and heartache, we can face them without fear as long as our faces are turned toward God. He is our “refuge” (91:2, 4, 9).

Father God,
help me trust that You are bigger than any fear I have.

Verses from Matthew

““我实在告诉你们，如果你们不回转，变成像小孩子一样，一定不能进天国。所以，凡谦卑像这小孩子的，他在天国里是最大的。”
‭‭马太福音‬ ‭18:3-4‬ ‭

“and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:3-4‬ ‭

Speaking into a context where social status was central, Jesus made the revolutionary claim that true greatness is found through being humble like children (Matt. 18:3–4), who had no status on their own. He further declared that harming a child is a grave sin (vv. 6, 10). His is a kingdom dedicated to uplifting and cherishing the vulnerable (v. 5). Monica Brands

Do we have child like faith? Perhaps it's time to examine ourselves.

Verse from Habakkuk

“主耶和华是我的力量，他使我的脚快如母鹿的蹄，在高地上行走。交诗班长，用丝弦的乐器伴奏。”
‭‭哈巴谷书‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭

“The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places...”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3:19‬ ‭

The prophet Habakkuk’s situation was out of his control, and the fear that he felt terrified him. The coming judgment would be catastrophic (Hab. 3:16–17). Yet, in the midst of the impending chaos, Habakkuk made a choice to live by his faith (2:4) and rejoice in God (3:18).

He did not place his confidence and faith in his circumstances, ability, or resources, but in the goodness and greatness of God.

When we are faced with difficult circumstances, we too, can place our faith and trust in God. He is with us in everything we face.

Verse from Deuteronomy

“你吃饱了，就要称颂耶和华你的神，因为他把那美地赐了给你。”
‭‭申命记‬ ‭8:10‬ ‭

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land He has given you.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8:10‬ ‭

When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, Moses urged them to be a grateful people (Deut. 8:10). Thanks to the blessings of God, the land was abundant, but they could easily treat this prosperity as something they deserved (vv. 17–18). From this, the Jews developed a practice of giving thanks for every meal, no matter how small. For them, it was all a gift.

Blessed are You,
O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
A Jewish thanksgiving prayer for meals

Be grateful to God for even the smallest gift.

Why do we sometimes find it difficult to be grateful?
How can a sense of entitlement hinder a thankful spirit?

Verse from John

“马利亚来到耶稣那里，一看见他，就俯伏在他脚前，说：“主啊，如果你早在这里，我的兄弟就不会死了！””
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭11:32‬ ‭

“Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."”
‭‭John‬ ‭11:32‬ ‭

Difficulties catch us up in a cycle of second-guessing ourselves. If only I had known my child was with teens who were drinking . . . If only we had found the cancer earlier . . .

When unexpected trouble comes, we sometimes question the goodness of God. We may even feel the despair that Martha and Mary experienced when their brother died. Oh, if Jesus had only come when He first found out that Lazarus was sick! (John 11:21, 32).

Like Martha and Mary, we don’t always understand why hard things happen to us. But we can rest in the knowledge that God is working out His purposes for a greater good. In every circumstance, we can trust the wisdom of our faithful and loving God.

Father,
You have carried me through hard circumstances before.
Thank You for teaching me to trust Your heart of love even when I don’t understand what You are doing in my life.

Verse from Philippians

“我知道怎样处卑贱，也知道怎样处富裕；我已经得了秘诀，无论在任何情况之下，或是饱足，或是饥饿，或是富裕，或是缺乏，都可以知足。”
‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭

“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭

Life is full of ups and downs. So much of what we hold dear can be touched by death, disaster, and decay. What do we have that is certain? To whom can we turn for assurance? Where do we find the power to live victoriously in good times and bad?

In the Lord. Have you turned to Him? Or are you depending heavily only on yourself?

Verse from Exodus

“现在，如果你肯赦免他们的罪，那就好了；如果不肯，求你从你所写的册上把我涂抹吧。””
‭‭出埃及记‬ ‭32:32‬ ‭

“But now, if You will, forgive their sin-and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!"”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32:32‬ ‭

An Australian journalist who spent 400 days in an Egyptian jail expressed mixed emotions when he was released. While admitting his relief, he said he accepted his freedom with incredible concern for the friends he was leaving behind. He said he found it extremely hard to say goodbye to fellow reporters who had been arrested and jailed with him—not knowing how much longer they were going to be held.

Moses also expressed great anxiety at the thought of leaving friends behind. When faced with the thought of losing the brother, sister, and nation that had worshiped a golden calf while he was meeting with God on Mount Sinai (Ex. 32:11–14), he interceded for them (v. 32).

The apostle Paul later expressed a similar concern for family, friends, and nation. Grieving their unbelief in Jesus, Paul said he would be willing to give up his own relationship with Christ if by such love he could save his brothers and sisters (Rom. 9:3).

Looking back, we see that Moses and Paul both expressed the heart of Christ. Yet, the love they could only feel, and the sacrifice they could only offer, Jesus fulfilled—to be with us forever.

Father in heaven,
thank You for reminding us how much it is like You to be willing to live—and die—for those who have not yet seen how much You love them.

Verse from Mark

“因为人子来，不是要受人服事，而是要服事人，并且要舍命，作许多人的赎价。””
‭‭马可福音‬ ‭10:45‬ ‭

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10:45‬ ‭

Many people treated Jesus like a celebrity as they followed Him from place to place, listened to His teaching, observed His miracles, and sought healing from His touch. Yet Jesus was never self-important or aloof, but available to all. When His followers James and John were privately jockeying for position in His coming kingdom, Jesus reminded all His disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43–44).

Soon after Jesus said this, He stopped a procession of people following Him to ask a blind beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” (v. 51) “Rabbi, I want to see,” the man replied. He received his sight immediately and followed Jesus (v. 52).

May we, like Him, be compassionate and humble and willing to serve.

Verse from John

“贼来了，不过是要偷窃、杀害、毁坏；我来了，是要使羊得生命，并且得的更丰盛。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭

The young man in Mark 10 believed he had earned a place in heaven by trusting in his good works and wealth (Mark 10:17–20). Jesus corrected him and told him to give up his material wealth and to follow Him in order to have “treasure in heaven” (v. 21), but this young man was not willing to do this.

When Peter bellowed, “We have left everything to follow you!” (v. 28), he was considering what it had cost him and his brother Andrew to follow Jesus. Peter and Andrew were at work when Jesus called them and “at once they left their nets and followed him” (1:17–18). Likewise brothers James and John left their father and their fishing trade (vv. 19–20).

Jesus said, “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 10:39). This life, abundant and eternal, is to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3).

How has making the choice to follow Jesus changed your life? Sim Kay Tee

Verse from Exodus

“摩西从西奈山下来的时候，手里拿着两块法版；摩西从山上下来的时候，不知道自己的脸皮因为与耶和华谈过话而发光。”
‭‭出埃及记‬ ‭34:29‬ ‭

“It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34:29‬ ‭

After Moses spent forty days and forty nights communing with God (Ex. 34:28), he descended Mount Sinai. He had no idea his intimate connection with the Lord actually changed his appearance (v. 29). But the Israelites could tell Moses had spoken with the Lord (vv. 30–32). He continued meeting with God and influencing the lives of those around him (vv. 33–35).

We might not be able to see how our experiences with God change us over time, and our transformation will definitely not be as physically apparent as Moses’s beaming face. But as we spend time with God and surrender our lives to Him more and more each day, we can reflect His love. God can draw others closer to Him as the evidence of His presence shows in and through us.

Our intimate moments spent with God can change us and direct others to His love.

Verse from Colossians

“你们的话要常常温和，好象是用盐调和的，使你们知道应当怎样回答各人。”
‭‭歌罗西书‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

The US Masters Golf Tournament began in 1934, and since then only three players have won it two years in a row. On April 10, 2016, it appeared that twenty-two-year-old Jordan Spieth would become the fourth. But he faltered on the last nine holes and finished in a tie for second. Despite his disappointing loss, Spieth was gracious toward tournament champion Danny Willett, congratulating him on his victory and on the birth of his first child, something “more important than golf.”

Writing in The New York Times, Karen Krouse said, “It takes grace to see the big picture so soon after having to sit through a trophy ceremony and watch someone else have his photograph taken.” Krouse continued, “Spieth’s ball-striking was off all week, but his character emerged unscathed.”

Paul urged the followers of Jesus in Colossae to “be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:5–6).

Dear Lord,
help me by Your Spirit to be gracious and kind to others and to represent You well.

Verse from Psalms

“神啊！你试炼了我们，熬炼了我们，如同熬炼银子一般。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭66:10‬ ‭

“For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭66:10‬ ‭

Echoing the confident sentiment of Psalm 66:10, an Old Testament man named Job said, “When [God] has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Job was in financial ruin, his ten children had died, and he was afflicted with a painful disease (1:13–19; 2:7). In the midst of these trials, he sought to understand why he had to suffer so much. His three friends believed his suffering was God’s punishment for his sins (4:7–9; 8:4–7).

But Job rejected their accusations and sought an answer from God (23:1–5). God seemed absent (vv. 8–9), yet in a moment of raw faith, Job expressed his intuitive conviction that God was testing him to prove the purity of his character. Job entrusted himself to God’s ways and drew strength from His Word (vv. 10–12).

As we go through testing, we can rely on God for strength and perseverance. He is refining us through our toughest moments.

Verse from Philippians

“这样，神所赐超过人能了解的平安，必在基督耶稣里，保守你们的心思意念。”
‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

Sometimes life can feel like an unwanted roller coaster ride, with “downhill” drops and hairpin curves we never see coming. When unexpected difficulties occur, the Bible reminds us that our best recourse is to place our trust in God.

It was in a tumultuous time when invasion threatened his country that the prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Spirit, discerned this powerful promise from the Lord: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isa. 26:3).

The peace our Savior gives us as we turn to Him “transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).
Life will have its difficulties, but our Savior, who loves us more than life, is greater than them all.

Are there specific struggles that are wearing you down? How might you become more intentional about drawing on Christ’s strength? Bill Crowder

Verse from 1 John

“主为我们舍命，这样，我们就知道甚么是爱...”
‭‭约翰壹书‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭

“We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us...”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭

Horrified by his students’ poor writing habits, renowned author and college professor David Foster Wallace considered how he might improve their skills. That’s when a startling question confronted him. The professor had to ask himself why a student would listen to someone “as smug, narrow, self-righteous, [and] condescending” as he was. He knew he had a problem with pride.

That professor could and did change, but he could never become one of his students. Yet when Jesus came to Earth, He showed us what humility looks like by becoming one of us. Stepping across all kinds of boundaries, Jesus made Himself at home everywhere by serving, teaching, and doing the will of His Father.

Even as He was being crucified, Jesus prayed for forgiveness for His executioners (Luke 23:34). Straining for every anguished breath, He still granted eternal life to a criminal dying with Him (vv. 42–43).

Jesus showed us that His love eradicates our pride, our smugness, our condescension. And He did it in the most powerful way possible. He gave His life.

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“我们有这宝贝在瓦器里，是要显明这极大的能力是属于神，不是出于我们。”
‭‭哥林多后书‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭ ‭

In 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake and a resulting tsunami took nearly 19,000 lives and destroyed 230,000 homes in the region northeast of Tokyo. In its aftermath, The Nozomi Project, named for the Japanese word for “hope,” was born to provide sustainable income, community, dignity, and hope in a God who provides.

Nozomi women sift through the rubble of homes and furnishings to discover broken china shards that they sand and insert into fittings to form jewelry. The jewelry is sold around the world, providing a livelihood for the women while sharing symbols of their faith in Christ.

In New Testament times, it was customary to hide valuables in the unlikely vessels of simple clay pots. Paul describes how the treasure of the gospel is contained in the human frailty of followers of Christ: jars of clay (2 Cor. 4:7). He suggests that the meager—and even at times broken—vessels of our lives actually can reveal God’s power in contrast to our imperfections.

Paul declared, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (2 Cor. 11:30) because he had found strength through reliance upon God. While lamenting his “thorn in [the] flesh” (12:6–9), Paul affirmed, “I delight in weaknesses . . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong” (v. 10).

What areas of brokenness in your life can become pathways for Christ’s strength? Bill Crowder