Verse from Acts

“主对他说：“你去吧！这人是我拣选的器皿，为要把我的名传给外族人、君王和以色列人。”

‭‭使徒行传‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭

In Acts 9, He directed Ananias to heal Saul, a known persecutor of the church whom God had blinded. Ananias was incredulous at receiving this mission, stating that Saul had been rounding up believers in Jesus for persecution and even execution. God told Ananias not to focus on who Saul had been but on who he had become: an evangelist who would bring the good news to all the known world, including to the gentiles (those who weren’t Jews) and to kings (v. 15). Ananias saw Saul the Pharisee and persecutor, but God saw Paul the apostle and evangelist.

We can sometimes view ourselves only as we have been—with all of our failures and shortcomings. But God sees us as new creations, not who we were but who we are in Jesus and who we’re becoming through the power of the Holy Spirit. O God, teach us to view ourselves and others in this way!

How can you begin to better view yourself and others in light of who you are in Christ today? How does it encourage you to know God isn’t through growing and refining you?

Verse from Psalms

“你不使我们再活过来，以致你的子民可以因你欢喜吗？”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭85:6‬ ‭

“Will You not Yourself revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭85:6‬ ‭

Thankfully the God of perfect vision and unlimited resources doesn’t give up so easily on battered and broken people. Psalm 85 describes people who were perfect candidates for restoration and the God who is able to restore. The setting is likely after the Israelites had returned from seventy years of exile (their punishment for rebellion against God). Looking back, they were able to see His favor—including His forgiveness (vv. 1–3). They were motivated to ask God for His help (vv. 4–7) and to expect good things from Him (vv. 8–13).

Who among us doesn’t occasionally feel battered, bruised, broken? And sometimes it’s because of something we’ve done to ourselves. But because the Lord is the God of restoration and forgiveness, those who humbly come to Him are never without hope. With open arms He welcomes those who turn to Him; and those who do, find safety in His arms.

Verse from Psalms

“她的家是通往阴间的路，是下到死亡的宫房。”

‭‭箴言‬ ‭7:27‬ ‭

“Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭7:27‬ ‭

Heroin addiction is poignantly tragic. Users build tolerance, so larger hits are required for the same high. Soon the dosage they seek is more than enough to kill them. When addicts hear someone has died from an exceptionally strong batch, their first thought may not be fear but “Where can I get that?”

C. S. Lewis warned of this downward spiral in Screwtape Letters, his imaginative look at a demon’s explanation of the art of temptation. Start with some pleasure—if possible one of God’s good pleasures—and offer it in a way God has forbidden. Once the person bites, give less of it while enticing him to want more. Provide “an ever increasing craving for an ever diminishing pleasure,” until finally we “get the man’s soul and give him nothing in return.”

Proverbs 7 illustrates this devastating cycle with the temptation of sexual sin. Sex is God’s good gift, but when we seek its enjoyment outside of marriage we’re “like an ox going to the slaughter” (v. 22). People stronger than us have destroyed themselves by pursuing highs that are harmful, so “pay attention” and “do not let your heart turn to [wrongful] ways” (vv. 24–25). Sin can be alluring and addicting, but it always ends in death (v. 27). By avoiding—in God’s strength—the temptation to sin, we can find true joy and fulfillment in Him.

Verse from Hebrews

“我们深愿你们各人都表现同样的热诚，一直到底，使你们的盼望可以完全实现，”

‭‭希伯来书‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭

Those raised in the English village with William Carey (1761–1834) probably thought he wouldn’t accomplish much, but today he’s known as the father of modern missions. Born to parents who were weavers, he became a not-too-successful teacher and cobbler while teaching himself Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. 

After many years, he realized his dream of becoming a missionary to India. But he faced hardship, including his child’s death, his wife’s mental-health problems, and for many years the lack of response from those he served.

What kept him serving amid difficulties as he translated the entire Bible into six languages and parts of it into twenty-nine others? “I can plod,” he said. “I can persevere in any definite pursuit.” He committed to serving God no matter what trials he encountered.

This continued devotion to Christ is what the writer to the Hebrews counseled. He called for those reading his letter to not “become lazy” (Hebrews 6:12), but to “show this same diligence to the very end” (v. 11) as they sought to honor God. He reassured them that God “will not forget your work and the love you have shown” (v. 10).

During William Carey’s later years, he reflected on how God consistently supplied his needs. “He has never failed in His promise, so I cannot fail in my service to Him.” May God also empower us to serve Him day by day.

Verse from Matthew

“我告诉你，你是彼得，我要在这盘石上建立我的教会，死亡的权势不能胜过他。”

‭‭马太福音‬ ‭16:18‬ ‭

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:18‬ ‭

A manager at a company in Brazil requested a written report from the custodians in her building. Each day she wanted to know who cleaned each room, which rooms were left untouched, and how much time employees spent in each room. The first “daily” report arrived a week later, partially completed.

When the manager looked into the matter, she discovered most of the cleaning employees couldn’t read. She could have fired them, but instead she arranged for them to have literacy lessons. Within five months, everyone was reading at a basic level and continued in their jobs.

God often uses our struggles as opportunities to equip us to continue working for Him. Peter’s life was marked by inexperience and mistakes. His faith faltered as he tried to walk on water. He wasn’t sure if Jesus should pay the temple tax (Matthew 17:24–27). He even rejected Christ’s prophecy about the crucifixion and resurrection (16:21–23). Through each issue Jesus taught Peter more about who He was—the promised Messiah (v. 16). Peter listened and learned what he needed to know to help found the early church (v. 18).

If you’re discouraged by some failure today, remember that Jesus may use it to teach you and lead you forward in your service for Him. He continued to work with Peter despite his shortcomings, and He can use us to continue to build His kingdom until He returns.

Verse from Matthew

“使人和平的人有福了，因为他们必称为神的儿子。为义遭受迫害的人有福了，因为天国是他们的。”

‭‭马太福音‬ ‭5:9-10‬ ‭

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:9-10‬ ‭

The context of Christ’s words here is critical. He has just given “the Beatitudes”—the series of declarations in which He unveils the values of His kingdom. His radical credo turns the world’s values upside down. Jesus pronounces as “blessed” all who are “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), “those who mourn” (v. 4), “the meek” (v. 5), “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6), “the merciful” (v. 7), “the pure in heart” (v. 8), “the peacemakers” (v. 9), and those persecuted for the sake of righteousness (v. 10).

Living by His values puts us in sharp contrast to the world. When we’re peacemakers, we permit a ray of light to dispel the darkness that threatens our world. When we suffer, those who see our response will notice the difference Jesus makes.

Verse from Psalms

“主啊！现在我还等候甚么呢？我的指望在乎你。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭39:7‬ ‭

““But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭39:7‬ ‭

Sometimes life seems far too short and full of sorrow. In Psalm 39 the psalmist David bemoans his own suffering and exclaims: “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure” (vv. 4–5). Life is short. Even if we live to see a century, our earthly life is but a drop in all of time.

And yet, with David, we can say, “My hope is in [the Lord]” (v. 7). We can trust that our lives do have meaning. Though our bodies waste away, as believers we have confidence that “inwardly we are being renewed day by day”—and one day we’ll enjoy eternal life with Him (2 Corinthians 4:16–5:1). We know this because God “has given us the Spirit . . . guaranteeing what is to come”! (5:5).

Lord, 

help us to spend our numbered days here in service to You.

Verse from Jeremiah

“就是埃及、犹大、以东、亚扪、摩押和所有剃除鬓发，住在旷野的人；因为列国的人都没有受过割礼，甚至以色列全家的内心也没有受过割礼。””

‭‭耶利米书‬ ‭9:26‬ ‭

“Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.””

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9:26‬ ‭

Circumcision was not exclusive to the Israelites, for it was widely practiced in the ancient world, including among the Egyptians and the Canaanite peoples (Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites) mentioned in Jeremiah 9:26. 

When God made a covenant with Abraham, He made circumcision the confirming sign that the Jews were God’s covenantal people (Genesis 17:10–14). For the Israelites, circumcision was the symbol of separation, purity, and loyalty to the covenant. This physical cutting of the body was to be a symbol of a more important spiritual transformation of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16). 

Moses explained that “The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts . . . so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live” (30:6). Circumcision was the outward reminder that God’s people were to have hearts that know, love, honor, and submit to Him (Jeremiah 9:24).

Verse from Psalms

“从自己的住处，他察看地上所有的居民。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭33:14‬ ‭

“from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth—”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭33:14‬ ‭

God sees so much more than what we do; He sees our sadness, our delights, and our love for one another.

God sees our true character and always knows exactly what we need. With perfect vision, which even sees the inner workings of our hearts, He watches over those who love Him and put their hope in Him (v. 18). He’s our attentive, loving Father.

Verses from Genesis

“于是，约瑟的主人拿住约瑟，把他关在监里，就是王的囚犯被监禁的地方；约瑟就在那里坐监。但是，耶和华与约瑟同在，向他施慈爱，使他得到监狱长的欢心。”

‭‭创世记‬ ‭39:20-21‬ ‭

“Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭39:20-21‬ ‭

Haralan Popov had no idea what turn his life would take when the doorbell rang early one morning in 1948. Without any warning, the Bulgarian police took Haralan away to prison because of his faith. He spent the next thirteen years behind bars, praying for strength and courage. Despite horrible treatment, he knew God was with him, and he shared the good news of Jesus with fellow prisoners—and many believed.

In the account from Genesis 37, Joseph had no idea what would happen to him after he was mercilessly sold by his angry brothers to merchants who took him to Egypt and sold him to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. He found himself in a culture surrounded by people who believed in thousands of gods. To make things worse, Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph. When Joseph refused repeatedly, she falsely accused him, leading to his being sent to prison (39:16–20). Yet God didn’t abandon him. Not only was He with Joseph, but He also “gave him success in everything he did” and even “showed him kindness and granted him favor” with those in authority (39:3, 21).

Imagine the fear Joseph must have felt. But he remained faithful and kept his integrity. God was with Joseph in his difficult journey and had a master plan for him. He has a plan in mind for you too. Take heart and walk in faith, trusting He sees and He knows.

God, 

thank You for being with me always, even when life’s circumstances cause me to be uncomfortable. 

Help me to be faithful to You.

Verse from Mark

“耶稣听见所说的话，就对会堂主管说：“不要怕！只要信！””

‭‭马可福音‬ ‭5:36‬ ‭

“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭5:36‬ ‭

On the way to heal Jairus’s desperately ill daughter (someone definitely needing immediate medical care), Jesus did the unthinkable: He paused (Mark 5:30). He stopped to identify who touched Him, and then spoke gently with the woman. You can imagine what Jairus was thinking: There’s no time for this, my daughter is dying! And then, his worst fears came true—Jesus appeared to have delayed too long and his daughter passed away (v. 35).

But Jesus turned to Jairus and offered a word of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (v. 36). Then, calmly ignoring the mockery of onlookers, Christ spoke to Jairus’s daughter and she came back to life! He revealed that He can never be too late. Time can’t limit what He’s able to do and when He chooses to do it.

How often do we feel like Jairus, thinking that God was simply too late to accomplish what we had hoped for. But with God, there’s no such thing. He’s never too late in fulfilling His good and merciful work in our lives.

Jesus, 

help me to remember that You’re sovereign even over time itself, and that You’re never too late to accomplish Your perfect plans.

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“你们应该效法我，好象我效法基督一样。”

‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭

Writing to Titus about how he could help his church grow in faith, Paul emphasized the value of experienced believers who could model Christian faith. Of course teaching “sound doctrine” was important, but it didn’t just need to be talked about—it needed to be lived out. 

Paul wrote that older men and women ought to be self-controlled, kind, and loving (Titus 2:2–5). “In everything,” he said, “set them an example by doing what is good” (v. 7).

What lessons have you learned from those who have taught you about living for Jesus by their words and actions? 

What are others seeing as they view your faith in action?

Verse from Psalms

“那荣耀的王是谁呢？万军之耶和华，他就是那荣耀的王。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭24:10‬ ‭

“Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— He is the King of glory.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭24:10‬ ‭

The psalmist David points to the Lord Almighty as Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all. He sings, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters” (vv. 1–2). 

In awestruck wonder, David proclaims God is above all, yet intimately approachable (vv. 3–4). We can know Him, be empowered by Him, and trust Him to fight on our behalf, as we live for Him (v. 8).

God provides opportunities for us to declare Him as the only Famous One truly worth sharing with others. As we reflect His character, those who don’t recognize Him can have more reasons to ask, “Who is He?” 

Verse from Ephesians

“一句坏话也不可出口，却要适当地说造就人的好话，使听见的人得益处。”

‭‭以弗所书‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭

The goal in communication is not just clarity. Neither is the goal just to be understood. The goal is not even just to be truthful. The goal is to be appropriate, encouraging, and uplifting to others based on the needs of that other person.

Regardless whether it's to our partner, family, colleagues, friends or acquaintances, do we watch our words or do we just spout out words, irregardless of whether it's going to be hurtful or not? Have we been using words to tear down others? 

How have we been communicating to others? 

Verse from Psalms

“耶和华我的盘石是应当称颂的。他教导我的手作战，训练我的指头打仗。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭144:1‬ ‭

“Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭144:1‬ ‭

When former NBA player David Wood was playing for Taugrés de Baskonia, I was with him at a Spanish Basketball Cup final. Before one game, he read Psalm 144:1: “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” He turned to me and said, “You see? It’s as if God has written this verse just for me! He trains my hands to catch rebounds and my fingers to shoot!” David felt called to play basketball and had learned that God takes us as we are and enables us to do what He calls us to do.

We can easily dismiss ourselves as having little use to God because we feel we have nothing to offer. When God appeared to Moses and assigned him the task of telling the Israelites that He would deliver them from the Egyptians (Ex. 3:16-17), Moses felt inadequate. He said to the Lord, “I have never been eloquent . . . . I am slow of speech and tongue” (4:10). Perhaps Moses had some kind of speech impediment, or he was just afraid, but God overcame his inadequacy with His sufficiency. God said, “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (v. 12).

All God wants from us is to follow His plans. He will sort out the rest. In His mighty hands, you can be a blessing to others.

God’s call to a task includes His strength to complete it.

Verse from Psalms

“我曾对耶和华说：“你是我的主，我的好处不在你以外。””

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭16:2‬ ‭

“I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.””

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16:2‬ ‭

“My precious . . .” First portrayed in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, the image of the emaciated creature Gollum in his maniacal obsession with the “precious ring of power” has become an iconic one today—for greed, obsession, even insanity.

It’s also a troublingly relatable image. In his tormented love-hate relationship with both the ring and with himself, Gollum’s voice echoes the hunger in our own hearts. Whether it’s directed at one thing in particular, or just a vague longing for “more,” we’re sure that once we finally get our own “precious,” we’ll be satisfied. But instead, what we thought would make us whole leaves us feeling even emptier than before.

There’s a better way to live. As David expresses in Psalm 16, when the longings in our hearts threaten to send us on a desperate, futile quest for satisfaction (v. 4), we can remember to turn to God for refuge (v. 1), reminding ourselves that apart from Him we have nothing (v. 2).

And as our eyes stop looking for satisfaction “out there” to gaze instead on God’s beauty (v. 8), we find ourselves finally tasting true contentment—a life of basking in the “joy [of God’s] presence,” walking with Him each moment in “the way of life”—now and forever (v. 11 nlt).

What’s the thing you often turn to for satisfaction when you lose sight of God?

God, 

forgive me for thinking I can find what I need apart from You. 

Thank You for always being there even when I forget to look for You. Draw me to Your side to live in the joy of walking with You.

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 what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭

The Venus flytrap was first discovered in a small area of sandy wetlands not far from our home in North Carolina. These plants are fascinating to watch because they’re carnivorous.

Venus flytraps release a sweet-smelling nectar into colorful traps that resemble open flowers. When an insect crawls inside, triggering sensors along the outer rim, the trap clamps shut in less than a second—capturing its victim. The trap then closes further and emits enzymes that consume its prey over time, giving the plant nutrients not provided by the sandy soil.

God’s Word tells of another trap that can capture unexpectedly. The apostle Paul warned his protégé Timothy: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” And “some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9–10).

Money and material things may promise happiness, but when they take first place in our lives, we walk on dangerous ground. We avoid this trap by living with thankful, humble hearts focused on God’s goodness to us through Jesus: “godliness with contentment is great gain” (v. 6).

The temporary things of this world never satisfy like God can. True, lasting contentment is found only through our relationship with Him.

Which do you think more about—money or your relationship with God? How can you give Him the highest priority today?

Loving Lord, 

You are the greatest blessing of my life! 

Help me to live contentedly with all that You are today.

Verse from Exodus

“你不可敬拜别的神，因为耶和华是忌邪的神，他名为忌邪者。”

‭‭出埃及记‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭

“-for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God-”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34:14‬ ‭

In 2014 a University of California researcher used a stuffed dog to show that animals are capable of jealousy. Professor Christine Harris asked dog owners to show affection for a stuffed animal in the presence of their pet. She found that three-fourths of the dogs responded with apparent envy. Some tried to get attention with touch or a gentle nudge. Others tried to push between their owner and the toy. A few went so far as to snap at their stuffed rival.

In a dog, jealousy seems heartwarming. In people, it can lead to less admirable results. Yet, as Moses and Paul remind us, there is also another jealousy—one that beautifully reflects the heart of God.

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he said he was “jealous for you with a godly jealousy” (2 Cor. 11:2). He didn’t want them to be “led astray from [their] sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (v. 3). Such jealousy reflects the heart of God, who told Moses in the Ten Commandments, “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God” (Ex. 20:5).

God’s jealousy is not like our self-centered love. His heart expresses His protective zeal for those who are His by creation and salvation. He made us and rescued us to know and enjoy Him forever. How could we ask for anything more than a God who is so zealous—and jealous—for our happiness?

God loves every one of us as if there were but one of us to love. Augustine

Verse from Psalms

“啊！人算甚么，你竟记念他？世人算甚么，你竟眷顾他？”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭8:4‬ ‭

“what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭8:4‬ ‭

When Denise began dating her boyfriend, she attempted to maintain a slim figure and dress stylishly, believing she would be more attractive to him in that way. After all, it was what all the women’s magazines advised. It was only much later that she discovered what he really thought: “I liked you just as much when you were heavier and didn’t worry about what you wore.”

Denise realized then how subjective “beauty” was. Our view of beauty is so easily influenced by others. It’s often focused on the external, forgetting the value of inner beauty. But God sees us in only one way—as His beautiful, beloved children. Everything He created was good, but we’re extra special because we’re made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

God considers us beautiful! No wonder the psalmist was filled with awe as he compared the greatness of nature with humans. (Psalm 8:4). Yet God chose to give mortals a glory and honor that nothing else had (v. 5).

This truth gives us an assurance and reason to praise Him (v. 9). No matter what others think of us—or what we think of ourselves—know this: We are beautiful to God. 

Verse from Luke

“但那落在好土里的，就是人用诚实良善的心来听，把道持守住，忍耐着结出果实。”

‭‭路加福音‬ ‭8:15‬ ‭

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:15‬ ‭

Sunflowers sprout in a carefree manner all over the world. Pollinated by bees, the plants spring up on the sides of highways, under bird feeders, and across fields, meadows, and prairies. To produce a harvest, however, sunflowers need good soil. Well-drained, slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil “with organic matter or composted,” says the Farmer’s Almanac, finally produces tasty sunflower seeds, pure oil, and also a livelihood for hard-working sunflower growers.

We also need “good soil” for spiritual growth (Luke 8:15). As Jesus taught in His parable of the farmer scattering seed, God’s Word can sprout even in rocky or thorny soil (see vv. 6–7). It only thrives, however, in the soil of “honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest” (v. 15 nlt).

Young sunflowers are just as patient in their growth. Following the sun’s movement throughout the day, they turn sunward daily in a process called heliotropism. Mature sunflowers are just as deliberate. They turn eastward permanently, warming the face of the flower and increasing visits from pollinator bees. This in turn produces a greater harvest.

As with those who care for sunflowers, we can provide a rich medium for God’s Word to grow by clinging to His Word and following after His Son—developing honesty and a good heart for God’s Word to mature us. It’s a daily process. May we follow the Son and grow.