Verse from Lamentations

“每天早晨都是新的；你的信实多么广大！”

耶利米哀歌 3:23 

“They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:23 

In Lamentations 3, Jeremiah laments those who are persecuted for standing true to the Lord. He feels as if he himself has been plunged into darkness and chained as a prisoner (vv. 1–9). He has experienced attacks, abduction, and isolation, and has been scorned and pierced by his enemies (vv. 10–15). Personal dignity and a sense of security have been painfully replaced with loneliness and sorrow (vv. 16–20).

Yet within this valley of despair there is a greater reality that rises above the circumstances. As we reflect on the character of God we see He is always present in our situation and offers comfort and hope. God’s mercies are as certain as the rising of the sun each day (vv. 21–23). In view of this inspiring truth, the living God truly is all that we need for any of life’s trials (v. 24).

As you think back over the past year, when have you experienced the faithfulness of God?

Verse from Acts

“从那里坐船，往安提阿去。当初，他们被众人所托、蒙上帝之恩、要办现在所做之工，就是在这地方。”

使徒行传 14:26 

“From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.”

Acts 14:26 

While much work remained in sharing the message of Jesus with others, they took time to give thanks for what had been done. “They gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (v. 27).

What has God done through you during the past year? has He opened the door of faith for someone you know and love? In ways we can’t imagine, He is at work through us in tasks that may seem insignificant or incomplete.

As the year come to a close, let’s remember to give thanks for the ways He has worked through us. Rejoicing over what God has done by His grace sets the stage for what is to come!

Verse from Psalms

“因为，你的慈爱大过诸天；你的诚实达到穹苍。”

诗篇 108:4 

“For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

Psalm 108:4 

Many of the psalms overflow with awe at the magnificence of our God and the world He created. 

Psalms 8 and 104 are two examples. To realize that we are loved by our Creator God who “wraps himself in light as with a garment” (104:2) and who “set [his] glory in the heavens” (8:1) can cause us, like the psalmist David, to wonder, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (v. 4). 

Yet Scripture repeatedly assures us that God does indeed love us!

Verse from 1 Thessalonians

“所以，你们应该彼此劝慰，互相造就，正如你们一向所行的。”

帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:11 

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Proverbs 15:13 says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” Is the writer directing us to cheery grins in the face of every interruption, disappointment, and inconvenience life brings? Surely not! There are times for genuine mourning, despair, and even anger at injustice. 

But in our everyday moments, a smile can offer relief, hope, and the grace needed to continue.

Perhaps the point of the proverb is that a smile naturally results from the condition of our inner beings. A “happy heart” is at peace, content, and yielded to God’s best. With such a heart, happy from the inside out, we can respond to surprising circumstances with a genuine smile, inviting others to embrace the hope and peace they too can experience with God.

Verse from Psalms

“万国啊！你们要赞美耶和华；万民哪！你们要颂赞他。”

诗篇 117:1 

“Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples.”

Psalm 117:1 

Have you noticed how hard it can be to be thankful when we are focused on what has been withheld from us? Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were probably content until they were led to believe that God was holding out on them.

Many generations later, the family of Israel struggled with contentment and thankfulness during their journey to the Promised Land. God gave them the annual celebration of Passover to help them remember their wonder-filled rescue from slavery in Egypt. In a group of songs known as the Egyptian Hallel (Pss. 113–118) they reminded one another to “give thanks to the Lord” for His faithful acts of love that fill the earth and endure forever (118:1). Those words aren’t just for God’s chosen people, Israel. 

In Psalm 117, the shortest of all of their national psalms, Israel invites the nations of the world to join with them in their songs of thanksgiving for God’s goodness and miraculous acts of rescue.

Think about it: How has the Lord shown His love toward you today, this week, this month, and this year? Don’t just look for the spectacular. His love is seen in the ordinary, everyday circumstances of life. Then consider how He has shown His love toward your family, your church, and to others. Let your mind soak up the extent of His love for all of us.

The psalmist added that “the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever” (v. 2 emphasis added). In other words, He will continue to love us! So we will continue to have many things to praise God for in the coming days. As His dearly loved children, may praising and thanking God characterize our lives!

Remember to thank God for the ordinary as well as the extraordinary.

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 

People in Jesus’s day worried over the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter just as we do. But Jesus assures us of God’s care and provision by pointing us to His constant providential care for all the earth. 

Because we are more precious to God than all of creation (Matt. 6:25–30), Jesus reminds us, “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ . . . Your heavenly Father knows that you need [these things]” (vv. 31–32). Because we have a heavenly Father who loves and cares for us deeply, we can ask Him to give us what we need (7:9–11; 1 Peter 5:7). 

Paul encourages us to replace our anxieties with expectant trust and grateful prayer. The peace of God is the inner calm or tranquility that comes from a confident trust in God who hears our cries (Phil. 4:6–7).

In what ways has God provided for you this week?

Verse from Romans

“愿那赐盼望的神，因着你们的信，把一切喜乐平安充满你们，使你们靠着圣灵的大能满有盼望。”

罗马书 15:13 

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 

As we enjoy our traditions and festivities of the Christmas season—customs that have been collected from around the world—let’s save our most sincere and heartfelt “thank you” for our good, merciful, and loving God. 

From Him came the reason for our Christmas celebration: the baby born in that Judean manger more than 2,000 years ago. An angel announced the arrival of this gift to mankind by saying, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy . . . a Savior has been born to you” (Luke 2:10–11).

This Christmas, even in the light of the sparkling Christmas tree and surrounded by newly opened presents, the true excitement comes when we turn our attention to the baby named Jesus, who came to “save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). His birth transcends tradition: It is our central focus as we send praises to God for this indescribable Christmas gift.

Verse from Luke

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

Luke 2:11 

“今天在大卫的城里，为你们生了救主，就是主基督。”

路加福音 2:11 

Reginald Fessenden had been working for years to achieve wireless radio communication. Other scientists found his ideas radical and unorthodox, and doubted he would succeed. But he claims that on December 24, 1906, he became the first person to ever play music over the radio.

Fessenden held a contract with a fruit company which had installed wireless systems on roughly a dozen boats to communicate about the harvesting and marketing of bananas. That Christmas Eve, Fessenden said that he told the wireless operators on board all ships to pay attention. At 9 o’clock they heard his voice.

He reportedly played a record of an operatic aria, and then he pulled out his violin, playing “O Holy Night” and singing the words to the last verse as he played. Finally, he offered Christmas greetings and read from Luke 2 the story of angels announcing the birth of a Savior to shepherds in Bethlehem.

Both the shepherds in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago and the sailors on board the United Fruit Company ships in 1906 heard an unexpected, surprising message of hope on a dark night. And God still speaks that same message of hope to us today. A Savior has been born for us—Christ the Lord! (Luke 2:11). 

We can join the choir of angels and believers through the ages who respond with “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (v. 14).

Without Christ there is no hope. Charles Spurgeon

Verse from Mark

“你要全心、全性、全意、全力，爱主你的神。’”

马可福音 12:30 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”

Mark 12:30 

To detect health problems before they become serious, doctors recommend a routine physical exam. We can do the same for our spiritual health by asking a few questions rooted in the great commandment (Mark 12:30) Jesus referred to.

Do I love God with all my heart because He first loved me? Which is stronger, my desire for earthly gain or the treasures that are mine in Christ? (Col. 3:1). He desires that His peace rule our hearts.

Do I love God with all my soul? Do I listen to God telling me who I am? Am I moving away from self-centered desires? (v. 5). Am I becoming more compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient? (v. 12).

Do I love God with all my mind? Do I focus on my relationship with His Son or do I let my mind wander wherever it wants to go? (v. 2). Do my thoughts lead to problems or solutions? To unity or division? Forgiveness or revenge? (v. 13).

Do I love God with all my strength? Am I willing to be seen as weak so that God can show His strength on my behalf? (v. 17). Am I relying on His grace to be strong in His Spirit?

As we let “the message of Christ dwell among [us] richly . . . with all wisdom” (v. 16), He will equip us to build each other up as we become spiritually fit and useful to Him.

To be spiritually fit, feed on God’s Word and exercise your faith.

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 

Long before Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber created the familiar carol “Silent Night,” Angelus Silesius had written:

Lo! in the silent night a child to God is born,
And all is brought again that ere was lost or lorn.
Could but thy soul, O man, become a silent night
God would be born in thee and set all things aright.

Silesius, a Polish monk, published the poem in 1657 in The Cherubic Pilgrim.During a church’s annual Christmas Eve service, the choir sang a beautiful rendition of the song titled “Could but Thy Soul Become a Silent Night.”

The twofold mystery of Christmas is that God became one of us so that we might become one with Him. Jesus suffered everything that was wrong so that we could be made right. 

Verses from Genesis

“我与你同在，你无论到哪里去，我必看顾你；我必领你回到这地方来，因为我必不离弃你，直到我实现了我对你所应许的。” 雅各一觉醒来，说：“耶和华确实在这地方，我竟不知道！””

创世记 28:15-16 

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.””

Genesis 28:15-16 

Sometimes our perceptions of God get a startling adjustment. That was the case for Jacob in today’s passage. From our perspective we know through the Old and New Testament Scriptures that God is everywhere and is always with us. But Jacob’s knowledge was limited. His statement in Genesis 28:16 hints that he thought he was out of “God’s area.” 

How comforting it must have been to Jacob to realize that though he had left his family and his home, he was still in the presence of God.

How does knowing that God is always present comfort you?

Verse from Romans

“有人认为这日比那日好，也有人认为日日都是一样；只要各人自己心意坚定就可以了。”

罗马书 14:5 

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.”

Romans 14:5 

So often we let personal preference, peer pressure, and concerns about the celebration of certain days, especially holidays, have a divisive effect on our Christian relationships. Bottom line, we're not to try to press our opinion or position on anyone else. We're not to judge another because he doesn't celebrate a special day to the Lord and we're not to judge another because she does celebrate special days. 

This is a matter of personal conviction that revolves around our desire to please the Lord and to honor him in ways we feel are appropriate. Let's not be so insecure that we have to do what everyone else does or force anyone else to do as we prefer. 

Instead, let's remember the right angle to take with all things: honor God with everything we are and to consider the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Verse from Luke

“因为人子来，是要寻找拯救失丧的人。””

路加福音 19:10 

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.””

Luke 19:10 

Do you know someone who has broken hearts by turning their back on friends, family, or faith? Is that person now living as someone who has lost their way?

Consider Zacchaeus. Though Jewish, he was no friend of Israel. Working for the Roman occupation he collected taxes from his countrymen and lived off the wealth of his overcharges. Who wouldn’t resent someone who loved money more than family, country, or neighbor?

That’s why Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus. He wasn’t just trying to see over the religious crowd that had their reasons for hating him. He was a lost child of Israel and maybe the most unlikely person in Jericho to be given special notice and honor.

That was the day God chose Zacchaeus to show us, or maybe those who are hiding from us, that no one is too lost to be found and changed by Jesus.

Verse from Psalms

“以雅各的神为自己的帮助，仰望耶和华他的神的，这人就是有福的。”

诗篇 146:5 

“How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,”

Psalms 146:5 

As Creator of all, He “remains faithful forever” (v. 6). He “upholds the cause of the oppressed,” protecting us and providing for us (v. 7). “The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down” (v. 8). He “watches over” us, “sustains” us, and will always be King (vv. 9–10).

Sometimes, when Christmas rolls around, our days will overflow with joyful moments. Sometimes, we’ll face loss, experience hurt, or feel alone. But at all times, God promises to be our light in the darkness, offering us tangible help and everlasting hope.

Verse from Ephesians

“凡事谦虚、温柔、忍耐，用爱心彼此宽容；”

以弗所书 4:2 

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Ephesians 4:2 

Gentleness is a willingness to accept limitations and ailments without taking out our aggravation on others. It shows gratitude for the smallest service rendered and tolerance for those who do not serve us well. 

It puts up with bothersome people—especially noisy, boisterous little people; for kindness to children is a crowning mark of a good and gentle person. It speaks softly in the face of provocation. It can be silent; for calm, unruffled silence is often the most eloquent response to unkind words.

Jesus is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matt. 11:29). If we ask Him, He will, in time, recreate us in His image. 

Dear Lord,

I want to be a gentle person. 

Please help me to be kind and gracious to others today.

Humility toward God will make us gentle toward others.

Verse from Colossians

“因为天上地上的万有：看得见的和看不见的，无论是坐王位的，或是作主的，或是执政的，或是掌权的，都是本着他造的；万有都是借着他，又是为着他而造的。”
‭‭歌罗西书‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭

This is good news because this same Jesus who created the universe is the One who has come to rescue us from our sin for every day and forever. The night before He died, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 nasb).

When facing the large and small challenges of life, we call on the One who made the universe, died and rose again, and won victory over this world’s brokenness. In our times of struggle, He powerfully offers us His peace.

Lord,
I’m grateful that You are greater than my mind could ever comprehend.
Help me to trust You today.

God’s grace is immeasurable, His mercy inexhaustible, His peace inexpressible.

Verse from John

“道成了肉身，住在我们中间，满有恩典和真理。我们见过他的荣光，正是从父而来的独生子的荣光。”

约翰福音 1:14 

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14 

As Star Wars fans around the world eagerly await the release of Episode 8, “The Last Jedi,” people continue to analyze the remarkable success of these films dating back to 1977. Frank Pallotta, media reporter for CNNMoney, said that Star Wars connects with many who long for “a new hope and a force of good at a time when the world needs heroes.”

Many times when we think of heroes we think of someone who “rescues.” This is especially true of Jesus, who is the greatest hero of all time. Paul wrote in Galatians 1:4 that Jesus is the One “who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Second Timothy 4:18 declares, “The Lord will rescue [us] from every evil attack, and will bring [us] safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” The greatest hero of all provides the greatest rescue of all—eternal life.

Who might you want to tell about your story of Jesus’s rescue?

Verses from Joshua

“现在你看，自从耶和华对摩西说了这话以后，耶和华照着所应许的，使我活了这四十五年，就是以色列人在旷野行走的时期；现在你看，我今日已经是八十五岁了。今日我还是强壮，像摩西派我去的那天一样；无论是作战，或是出入，那时我的力量怎样，现在我的力量还是怎样。”

约书亚记 14:10-11 

“Now behold, the LORD has let me live, just as He spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, when Israel walked in the wilderness; and now behold, I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in.”

Joshua 14:10-11 

Caleb had grown up in the slavery of Egypt. He’d seen God rescue His people from the grip of Pharaoh and provide for them for forty years in a hot and barren wilderness. He’d seen giantlike people make his fellow spies feel like insects (Num. 13:33), yet even in his old age he relied on God’s help to conquer the land.

Are you faced with an impossible situation? 

The same God who helped Caleb can help you too.

Verses from Genesis

“埃及地的七年丰收一结束，七年饥荒就随着来了，正像约瑟所说的一样。各地都有饥荒，只有埃及全地仍有粮食，

当时饥荒遍及全国，约瑟就开了所有的粮仓，把粮食卖给埃及人，因为埃及地的饥荒非常严重。 各地的人都到埃及去，向约瑟买粮，因为各地的饥荒都非常严重。”

创世记 41:53-54, 56-57 

The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere. (Genesis 41:53, 54, 56, 57)

In the wake of the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, many people have felt strongly compelled to help. Some donated blood for the injured, some provided free lunches and coffee at their restaurants for workers. Others wrote letters of comfort or just gave hugs. Some sent gifts of money and teddy bears for the children; others offered counseling. People found ways to serve according to their personalities, abilities, and resources.

These stories show the heart of God for the world. He has prepared us and made us who we are that we might care for others in whatever way He leads us.

Compassion offers whatever is necessary to heal.

Although Joseph suffered many injustices, God ultimately used him to help others by empowering him to provide food for those who otherwise would have starved. This principle applies to the believer even today. God can help us persevere in our suffering so that we can help others who are in need in the future. In the New Testament, Paul tells us that we experience pain and God’s comfort in order to comfort others (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Verse from Philippians

“应当毫无忧虑，只要凡事借着祷告祈求，带着感恩的心，把你们所要的告诉神。”

腓立比书 4:6 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Philippians 4:6 

If anyone could have been anxious about unknowns and challenges, it would have been Paul. He was shipwrecked. He was beaten. He was jailed. In his letter to the Philippian church, he encouraged his friends who also were facing unknowns (v. 6).

Paul’s words is encouraging. Life is not without uncertainties—whether they come in the form of a major life transition, family issues, health scares, or financial trouble. What we can continue to learn is that God cares. 

He invites us to let go of our fears of the unknown by giving them to Him. When we do, He, who knows all things, promises that His peace, “which transcends all understanding, will guard” our heart and mind in Christ Jesus (v. 7).

Verse from Proverbs

“对着悲伤的心灵唱歌，就像冷天脱衣服，又像碱上倒酸。”

箴言 25:20 

“Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.”

Proverbs 25:20 

Here’s what Solomon is pointing to: You’re in a situation where things could not be go- ing worse for you. You fill in the blank. You have all been in situations like that. It might be the death of a loved one. It might be the difficulty of something that has happened at work. It might be the loss of a job—whatever it might be. But here comes that jolly saint Christian guy who looks at you and says, “Well, you know, all things work together for good.” And you just feel like it is time—POW—to pop this guy right in the schnoz. You know what I’m saying?

This verse is saying that, as you would never take away a coat when it’s cold, don’t be one who kind of glibly, brainlessly shows up without the sympathy and true-heart affection for someone who is hurting, don’t go say something that—although it is true—at the moment, might not have the timing to be right in that moment.

I have found this proverb to be so true, and certainly would have to admit I have learned it the hard way, that sometimes it’s better to say nothing and just have a ministry of availability instead of a ministry of words. There are times for a ministry of presence, of just being there and putting your arm around someone and saying, “You know I’m here for you if you want to talk,” to let them do the talking instead of you trying to fix all their problems.

Do you know people who have heavy hearts? Then be someone to them who brings comfort instead of cliches. Do you have a heavy heart today? It’s okay. May God bring people around you who will keep your coat on until things are warm again.

Father God,

Thank You for caring about me when my heart is heavy! 

Please help me to be sensitive to the people around me so that I can bring healing instead of hurt.

Amen

Verse from Psalms

“凡跌倒的，耶和华将他们扶持；凡被压下的，将他们扶起。”
‭‭诗篇‬ ‭145:14‬

“The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭145:14‬ ‭

The world may embrace success. But stories of past failure offer people hope too. They assure us that God loves us no matter how many times we have failed. Pastor Gary Inrig says that what we call the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 could well be entitled God’s Hall of Reclaimed Failures. “There is scarcely an individual in that chapter without a serious blemish in his or her life,” he observes. “But God is in the business of restoring failures . . . . That is a great principle of God’s grace.”

There is comfort found in Psalm 145, which speaks of God’s “wonderful works” (vv. 5–6) and glorious kingdom (v. 11). It describes His compassion (vv. 8–9) and faithfulness (v. 13)—then immediately tells us that He lifts up those who have fallen (v. 14). All His attributes are expressed when He picks us up. He is indeed in the business of restoration.

Have you failed before? We all have. Have you been restored? All who have been redeemed are stories of God’s grace.

Verses from Mark and Romans

“十二门徒中的一个，就是加略人犹大，去见祭司长，要把耶稣交给他们。”

马可福音 14:10 

“唯有基督在我们还作罪人的时候为我们死，神对我们的爱就在此显明了。”

罗马书 5:8 

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. (Mark 14:10)

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

British pastor Joseph Parker was asked, “Why did Jesus choose Judas to be one of His disciples?” He thought deeply about the question for a while but could not come up with an answer. He said that he kept running into an even more baffling question: “Why did He choose me?”

That’s a question that has been asked throughout the centuries. When people become painfully aware of their sin and are overcome with guilt, they cry out to Jesus for mercy. In joyous wonder they experience the truth that God loves them, that Jesus died for them, and that they are forgiven of all their sins. It’s incomprehensible!

Have u too asked, “Why me?” God knows that the dark and sinful deeds of our lives are motivated by a heart even darker, and yet God loves us! (Rom. 5:8). We are undeserving, wretched, and helpless, yet He opens His arms and His heart to us. 

“Why me?” It’s beyond my understanding. Yet I know He loves me—and He loves you too!

God loves us not because of who we are, but because of who He is.