Verse from Job

“说：“我赤身出于母胎，也必赤身归去。赏赐的是耶和华，收回的也是耶和华；耶和华的名是应当称颂的。””

‭‭约伯记‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭

“and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.””

‭‭Job‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭

After praying about what God was calling them to do in the next phase of their lives, Mark and Nina determined that moving to the urban core of the city was what they needed to do. They purchased a vacant house and renovation was well underway—then came the storm. Mark wrote in a text message to me: “We had a surprise this morning. The tornado that came through Jefferson City, took out our renovation—down to sticks and bricks. God is up to something.”

Uncontrollable storms are not the only things that surprise us and create confusion in our lives. Not losing sight of God in the midst of misfortune, however, is one of the keys of survival.

The weather catastrophe in Job’s life that resulted in his loss of property and the death of his children (Job 1:19) was but one of the shocking surprises he faced. Prior to that, three messengers had come bearing bad news (vv. 13–17).

On any given day, we can go from feasting to mourning, from celebrating life to processing death, or some other life challenge. Our lives can swiftly be reduced to “sticks and bricks”—financially, relationally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. But God is mightier than any storm. Surviving life’s trials requires faith that’s focused on Him—faith that enables us to say with Job and others, “May the name of the Lord be praised” (v. 21).

Verse from 1 Titus

“写信给提多，就是那在共同的信仰上作我真儿子的。愿恩惠平安从父神和我们的救主基督耶稣临到你。”

‭‭提多书‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭

“To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭

The apostle Paul was a spiritual mentor to Titus, his “true son in our common faith” (Titus 1:4). In his letter to Titus, Paul offered him helpful instructions and guidelines for his role in the church. He not only taught but modeled how to “teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine” (2:1), set “an example by doing what is good,” and “show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech” (vv. 7–8). As a result, Titus became his partner, brother, and coworker (2 Corinthians 2:13; 8:23)—and a mentor of others.

Many of us have benefited from a mentor—a teacher, coach, grandparent, youth leader, or pastor—who guided us with their knowledge, wisdom, encouragement, and faith in God. Who could benefit from the spiritual lessons you’ve learned in your journey with Jesus?

Verses from Romans

“照着所赐给我们的恩典，我们各有不同的恩赐：说预言的，就应当照着信心的程度去说；

劝慰的，就应当照着恩赐劝慰；把财物分给人的要真诚；领导的要殷勤；行善的要乐意。”

‭‭罗马书‬ ‭12:6, 8‬ ‭

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:6, 8‬ ‭

While believers in Jesus are called to help others (Luke 10:25–37), some have a special capacity to do so. The apostle Paul calls it the gift of mercy (Romans 12:8). People with this gift spot needs, rally practical assistance, and can serve over time without getting overwhelmed. Moved by the Holy Spirit, they’re the hands of the body of Christ, reaching out to touch our wounds (vv. 4–5).

Verse from 2 Samuel

“那三个勇士就闯过非利士人的营地，从伯利恒城门旁边的井里打水，把水取上来，带到大卫那里。大卫不肯喝，却把水浇奠在耶和华面前。”

‭‭撒母耳记下‬ ‭23:16‬ ‭

“So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord.”

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭23:16‬ ‭

Hijacking another’s praise can destroy us. David knew this, and he refused to drink the water his mighty warriors had risked their lives to get. He had wistfully said it would be great if someone would fetch a drink from the well in Bethlehem. Three of his soldiers took him literally. They broke through enemy lines, drew the water, and carried it back. David was overwhelmed by their devotion, and he had to pass it on. He refused to drink the water, but “poured it out before the Lord” as a drink offering (2 Samuel 23:16).

How we respond to praise and honor says a lot about us. When praise is directed toward others, especially God, stay out of the way. The parade isn’t for us. When the honor is directed toward us, thank the person and then amplify that praise by giving all the glory to Jesus. 

Verse from Micah

“至于我，我却要仰望耶和华，我要等候那拯救我的神；我的神必应允我。”

‭‭弥迦书‬ ‭7:7‬ ‭

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

‭‭Micah‬ ‭7:7‬ 

As Micah assessed the bleak situation, he lamented that “not one upright person” seemed to remain (Micah 7:2).

Yet, even though the situation appeared dire, the prophet refused to give up hope. He trusted that God was at work (v. 7)—even if, amid the devastation, he couldn’t yet see the evidence.

In our dark and sometimes seemingly endless “winters,” when spring doesn’t appear to be breaking through, we face the same struggle as Micah. Will we give into despair? Or will we “watch in hope for the Lord”? (v. 7).

Our hope in God is never wasted (Romans 5:5). He’s bringing a time with no more “winter”: a time with no more mourning or pain (Revelation 21:4). Until then, may we rest in Him, confessing, “My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7).

Verse from Psalms

“愿这一切都赞美耶和华的名，因为独有他的名被尊崇，他的荣耀超越天地。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭148:13‬ ‭

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭148:13‬ ‭

Psalm 148 is a prayer of praise. The psalmist encourages all of creation to “praise the name of the Lord, for at his command [everything was] created” (v. 5), “for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens” (v. 13).

Though God invites us to bring our needs before Him and trust He hears and cares for us, He also delights in prayers of grateful praise wherever we are.

Verse from Joshua

“你一生的日子必没有一人能在你面前立得住；我怎样与摩西同在，也必照样与你同在；我决不离开你，也不离弃你。”

‭‭约书亚记‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

In Joshua 1, we read of the transition of leadership to Joshua after Moses died. The command to “be strong and courageous” was repeated several times to Joshua and the Israelites to emphasize its importance (vv. 6–7, 9). Surely, they felt trepidation as they faced an uncertain future, but God reassuringly said, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (v. 5).

It’s natural to have fears, but it’s detrimental to our physical and spiritual health to live in a state of constant fear. Just as God encouraged His servants of old, we too can be strong and courageous because of the One who promises to always be with us.

Verses from Jeremiah

 “但倚靠耶和华，以耶和华为他所信赖的，这人是有福的。他必像一棵树, 栽种在水边，树根伸进河里；炎热来到，并不害怕，树叶仍然繁茂； 在荒旱之年, 它不挂虑，并且不断结果子。””

‭‭耶利米书‬ ‭17:7-8‬ ‭

““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.””

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:7-8‬ ‭

Jeremiah says that those who draw their strength from “mere flesh” will be like “a bush in the wastelands” and be unable to “see prosperity when it comes” (vv. 5–6). In sharp contrast are those who put their trust in God instead of people. Like trees, their strong, deep roots draw strength from Him, enabling them to remain full of life, even in the midst of drought-like circumstances.

Tumbleweeds and trees both have roots. Tumbleweeds, however, don’t stay connected to their life-source, causing them to dry out and die. Trees, on the other hand, remain connected to their roots, enabling them to flourish and thrive, anchored to that which will sustain them in times of difficulty. When we hold fast to God, drawing strength and encouragement from the wisdom found in the Bible and talking to Him in prayer, we too can experience the life-giving, life-sustaining nourishment He provides.

Verse from Psalms

“要称谢那击杀埃及所有头生的，因为他的慈爱永远长存。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭136:10‬ ‭

“to Him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭136:10‬ ‭

Psalms 135 and 136 share several similarities. Both praise God for His amazing creation (135:6–7; 136:4–9). Both outline God’s role in preserving His people when the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt (135:8–9; 136:10–15). And both recall Israel entering the Promised Land and God’s hand in eradicating the pagan kings who opposed the Hebrews (135:10–12; 136:17–22). The overarching theme of these psalms is that God alone is the one true God (135:5, 13; 136:1–3, 26), and He alone merits our praise.

Psalm 136 is antiphonal; that is, part of the congregation was to sing the first line while the other half responded with “His love endures forever.” The pattern repeats itself in every verse of the psalm. Singing of God’s goodness to us—especially with other believers—reminds us of His character and inclines our emotions to reflect our gratitude to Him.

Verse from Proverbs

“遵守教训的，走在生命的路上；离弃责备的，却是走上错路。”

‭‭箴言‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭

“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭

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

However, if we reject or snub discipline and correction, we not only harm ourselves, but we lead others astray. The choices we make don't determine just our destination; they also greatly impact others.

Verse from 1 Timothy

““基督耶稣降世，为要拯救罪人。”这话是可信的，是值得完全接纳的。在罪人中我是个罪魁。”

‭‭提摩太前书‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭

Far from a lifelong model citizen, Paul confessed his past shortcomings: “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (v. 13). After naming who Jesus came to save (“sinners”), he goes on to make a qualification: “of whom I am the worst” (v. 15). 

Paul knew exactly what was and is wrong with the world. And he further knew the only hope of making things right—“the grace of our Lord” (v. 14). This enduring truth lifts our eyes to the light of Christ’s saving love.  

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“他却对我说：“我的恩典是够你用的，因为我的能力在人的软弱上显得完全。”所以，我更喜欢夸自己的软弱，好让基督的能力临到我的身上。”

‭‭哥林多后书‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭

In the Netherlands, a group of fashion designers offer a “Golden Joinery” workshop. Inspired by the Japanese technique Kintsugi, where broken porcelain is visibly repaired with gold, participants collaborate in mending clothes in ways that highlight the mending work rather than trying to mask it. Those who are invited bring “a dear but broken garment and mend it with gold.” As they remake their clothes, the repair becomes ornamental, a “golden scar.”

Articles of clothing are transformed in ways that highlight the places where they were torn or frayed. Perhaps this is something like what Paul meant when he said that he would “boast” in the things that showed his weakness. Although he’d experienced “surpassingly great revelations,” he doesn’t brag about them (2 Corinthians 12:6). He is kept from getting proud and overconfident, he says, by a “thorn” in his flesh (v. 7). No one knows exactly what he was referring to—perhaps depression, a form of malaria, persecution from enemies, or something else. Whatever it was, he begged God to take it away. But God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9).

Just as the rips and tears in old clothes can become sights of beauty as they’re remade by designers, the broken and weak places in our lives can become places where God’s power and glory may shine. He holds us together, transforms us, and makes our weaknesses beautiful.

Verse from Judges

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

‭‭士师记‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭

“But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭10:15‬ ‭

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

Unfortunately today, we often hide, avoid, rationalize, deny, and skirt the seriousness our personal sin. We don't like to admit it, much less confess it and turn from it. "It's not really all that bad. I know a lot of folks who do a lot worse things than I did." 

We must not view confession of sin as humiliation or weakness. Acknowledging our sin and asking for God's forgiveness, cleansing, and power open the door for Him to use us mightily if we will look to Him for our rescue.

Verse from Isaiah

“你们要趁着耶和华可以寻找的时候，寻找他， 趁着他靠近的时候，呼求他。”

‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭55:6‬ ‭

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:6‬ ‭

Imagine life without mobile phones, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth devices, or microwave ovens. That’s the way it is in the little town of Green Bank, West Virginia, known as “the quietest town in America.” It’s also the location of the Green Bank Observatory, the world’s largest steerable radio telescope. 

The telescope needs “quiet” to “listen” to naturally occurring radio waves emitted by the movement of pulsars and galaxies in deep space. It has a surface area larger than a football field and stands in the center of the National Radio Quiet Zone, a 13,000-square-mile area established to prevent electronic interference to the telescope’s extreme sensitivity.

This intentional quiet enables scientists to hear “the music of the spheres.” It also is a reminder of our need to quiet ourselves enough to listen to the One who created the universe. God communicated to a wayward and distracted people through the prophet Isaiah, “Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you” (Isaiah 55:3). 

God promises His faithful love to all who will seek Him and turn to Him for forgiveness.

We listen intentionally to God by turning from our distractions to meet Him in Scripture and in prayer. God isn’t distant. He longs for us to make time for Him so He can be the priority of our daily lives and then for eternity.

Verses from Psalms

“因为耶和华是伟大的神，是超越众神的大君王。

来吧，我们来俯伏敬拜，在造我们的耶和华面前跪下。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭95:3, 6‬ ‭

“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭95:3, 6‬ ‭

Psalm 95 belongs to a group of psalms called “enthronement psalms” or “royal psalms” because they use the royal image of a king celebrating and declaring God’s sovereign reign over all creation and over all history. Other examples of enthronement psalms are Psalms 47, 93, 96–99. The royal psalms include such statements as “the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth” (47:2); His “throne was established long ago . . . from all eternity” (93:2); “the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods” (95:3).

Psalm 95 is easily outlined into two parts: a call to worship God as King (vv. 1–7a) and a warning not to reject Him as King (vv. 7b–11). In his warning, the psalmist draws from the Israelites’ history of rebellion against and lack of faith in God at Meribah and Massah (v. 8; see Exodus 17:1–7). The writer of Hebrews had Psalm 95 in view when he wrote Hebrews 3:7–11.

https://youtu.be/KBD18rsVJHk

Verse from Matthew

“它是种子中最小的，但长大了，却比其他的蔬菜都大，成为一棵树，甚至天空的飞鸟也来在它的枝头搭窝。””

‭‭马太福音‬ ‭13:32‬ ‭

“Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:32‬ ‭

We can be obsessed with significance and success—the big and the dramatic, the quick and the meteoric. But the parables of the mustard seed and yeast compare the way of the kingdom (God’s reign on earth) to small, hidden, and seemingly insignificant things whose work is slow and gradual.

The kingdom is like its King. Christ’s mission culminated in His life, like a seed, being buried in the ground; like yeast, being hidden in the dough. Yet He rose. Like a tree breaking through the dirt, like bread when the heat is turned up. Jesus rose.

We’re invited to live according to His way, the way that’s persisting and permeating. To resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands, to grasp for power and to justify our dealings in the world by the outcomes they may produce. The outcome—“a tree . . . that the birds come and perch in its branches” (v. 32) and the bread that provides a feast—will be Christ’s doing, not ours.

Verse from Ephesians

“全身靠着他，借着每一个关节的支持，照着每部分的功用，配合联系起来，使身体渐渐长大，在爱中建立自己。”

‭‭以弗所书‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭

“from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭

According to the family legend, two brothers, one named Billy and the other Melvin, were standing on the family’s dairy farm one day when they saw an airplane doing some skywriting. The boys watched as the plane sketched out the letters “GP” overhead.

Both brothers decided that what they saw had meaning for them. One thought it meant “Go preach.” The other read it as “Go plow.” Later, one of the boys, Billy Graham, dedicated himself to preaching the gospel, becoming an icon of evangelism. His brother Melvin went on to faithfully run the family dairy farm for many years.

Skywriting signs aside, if God did call Billy to preach and Melvin to plow, as seems to be the case, they both honored God through their vocations. While Billy had a long preaching career, his success doesn’t mean that his brother’s obedience to his calling to plow was any less important.

While God does assign some to be in what we call full-time ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12), that doesn’t mean those in other jobs and roles aren’t doing something just as important. In either case, as Paul said, “each part [should do] its work” (v. 16). That means honoring Jesus by faithfully using the gifts He’s given us. When we do, whether we “go preach” or “go plow,” we can make a difference for Jesus wherever we serve or work.

Verse from Colossians

“又要让基督的平安在你们心里作主；你们蒙召归为一体，也是为了这个缘故。你们要有感谢的心。”

‭‭歌罗西书‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭

Scripture reminds us that members of the church are designed to work together and watch out for each other like a team. The apostle Paul tells us that God cares about how we interact with each other, because the actions of one person can impact the whole community of believers (Colossians 3:13–14). When we all embrace opportunities to serve each other, fully devoted to unity and peace, the church flourishes (v. 15).

Paul instructed his readers to “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” (v. 16). In this way we can inspire and protect one another through loving and honest relationships, obeying and praising God with grateful hearts—thriving together.

Verse from Isaiah

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

‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭

No matter how desperate their situation, how impossible the odds that they would ever find relief, God assured His people in Israel that they were held in His tender care. “Do not fear, for I am with you,” He insisted. “Do not be dismayed, for I am your God” (v. 10).

No matter how many years we’re given, life’s hardships will come knocking at our door. A troubled marriage. A child abandoning the family. Terrifying news from the doctor. Even persecution. However, our God reaches out to us and holds us firmly. He gathers us and holds us in His strong, tender hand.

Verse from Joshua

“我不是吩咐过你要坚强勇敢吗？所以，你不要惧怕，也不要惊慌；因为你无论到哪里去, 耶和华你的神必与你同在。””

‭‭约书亚记‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬  ‭

After Moses’s death, Joshua inherited leadership of the Israelites and was charged to take God’s chosen people into the Promised Land. Despite his divine commission, Joshua must have felt challenged by the daunting nature of his task. God graciously offered Joshua assurance to be with him on the journey ahead (Josh. 1:9).

The road of life often travels through uncharted territory. We voyage through seasons when the path ahead isn’t clearly visible. God’s plan may not always be apparent to us, but He has promised to be with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). What greater assurance could we hope for, no matter what uncertainty or challenge we might face? Even when the path is unlit, the Light is with us.

Lord, 

thank You for being near me even when I cannot see You. 

Please comfort me with Your presence.

 

God is with us even when we can’t see Him.

Verse from 1 Kings

“所以，求你赐给仆人一颗明辨的心, 可以判断你的子民，能辨别是非，因为谁能判断你这众多的子民呢？””

‭‭列王纪上‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭

“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?””

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭

Two-year-old Kenneth went missing. Yet within three minutes of his mom’s 9-1-1 call, an emergency worker found him just two blocks from home at the county fair. His mom had promised he could go later that day with his grandpa. But he’d driven his toy tractor there, and parked it at his favorite ride. When the boy was safely home, his dad wisely removed the toy’s battery. 

Kenneth was actually rather smart to get where he wanted to go, but two-year-olds are missing another key quality: wisdom. And as adults we sometimes lack it too. Solomon, who’d been appointed king by his father David (1 Kings 2), admitted he felt like a child. God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (3:5). He replied, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. . . . So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (vv. 7–9). God gave Solomon “a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore” (4:29). 

Where can we get the wisdom we need? Solomon said the beginning of wisdom is a “fear” or awe of God (Proverbs 9:10). So we can start by asking Him to teach us about Himself and to give us wisdom beyond our own.

Verse from Colossians

“他既然靠着十字架胜过了一切执政掌权的，废除了他们的权势，就在凯旋的行列中，把他们公开示众。”

‭‭歌罗西书‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭

“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭

Have you ever fought a dragon? If you answered no, author Eugene Peterson disagrees with you. In A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, he wrote, “Dragons are projections of our fears, horrible constructions of all that might hurt us. . . . A peasant confronted by a magnificent dragon is completely outclassed.” Peterson’s point? Life is filled with dragons: the life-threatening health crisis, the sudden job loss, the failed marriage, the estranged prodigal child. These “dragons” are the supersized dangers and frailties of life that we’re inadequate to fight alone.

But in those battles, we have a Champion. Not a fairy tale champion—the ultimate Champion who has fought on our behalf and conquered the dragons that seek to destroy us. Whether they’re dragons of our own failures or the spiritual enemy who desires our destruction, our Champion is greater, allowing Paul to write of Jesus (Colossians 2:15). The destructive forces of this broken world are no match for Him!

The moment we realize that the dragons of life are too big for us is the moment we can begin to rest in Christ’s rescue. We can confidently say, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Verse from Proverbs

“脾气暴烈的人常引起纷争；不轻易动怒的可平息争执。”

‭‭箴言‬ ‭15:18‬ ‭

“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:18‬ ‭

How should we react to strong criticism? 

The book of James advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (1:19). The apostle Paul counsels us to “live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).

An entire chapter of Proverbs, however, offers extended wisdom on reacting to disputes. “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” says Proverbs 15:1. “The one who is patient calms a quarrel” (v. 18). Also, “The one who heeds correction gains understanding” (v. 32). 

Considering such wisdom, may God help us hold our tongues. More than all, however, wisdom instructs us to “fear the Lord” because “humility comes before honor” (v. 33). 

Verse from Philippians

“要使大家看出你们谦和的心。主已经近了。”

‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭

In one of Dr. Seuss’ whimsical stories, he tells of a “North-Going Zax and a South-Going Zax” crossing the Prairie of Prax. Upon meeting nose to nose, neither Zax will step aside. The first Zax angrily vows to stay put—even if it makes “the whole world stand still.” (Unfazed, the world moves on and builds a highway around them.)

The tale offers an uncomfortably accurate picture of human nature. We possess a reflexive “need” to be right, and we’re prone to stubbornly cling to that instinct in rather destructive ways!

Happily for us, God lovingly chooses to soften stubborn human hearts. The apostle Paul knew this, so when two members of the Philippian church were squabbling, he loved them enough to call them out (Philippians 4:2). Then, having earlier instructed the believers to have “the same mindset” of self-giving love as Christ (2:5–8), Paul asked them to “help these women,” valued coworkers with him in sharing the gospel (4:3). It seems peacemaking and wise compromise call for team effort.

Of course there are times to take a firm stand, but a Christlike approach will look a lot different than an unyielding Zax! So many things in life aren’t worth fighting over. We can bicker with each other over every trivial concern until we destroy ourselves (Galatians 5:15). Or we can swallow our pride, graciously receive wise counsel, and seek unity with our brothers and sisters.

Verse from Psalms

“求你使我们早晨饱尝你的慈爱，好使我们一生一世欢呼喜乐。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭90:14‬ ‭

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90:14‬ ‭

The brevity of life can worry us and cause us to wonder if we matter. 

We do. We matter because we’re deeply, eternally loved by the God who made us. We matter because we matter to God. 

We also matter because we can show God’s love to others. Though our lives are short, they’re not meaningless if we leave a legacy of God’s love. We’re not here on earth to make money and retire in style, but to “show God” to others by showing them His love. 

And finally, though life here on earth is transient, we’re creatures of eternity. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we’ll live forever. 

Verse from Isaiah

“因为你在我眼中非常宝贵和贵重， 所以我爱你； 我使别人作你的替身，同别的民族交换你的性命。”

‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭43:4‬ ‭

“"Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:4‬ ‭

To celebrate Winston Churchill’s eightieth birthday, the British parliament commissioned artist Graham Sutherland to paint a portrait of the celebrated statesman. “How are you going to paint me?” Churchill reportedly asked the artist: “As a cherub, or the Bulldog?” Churchill liked these two popular perceptions of him. Sutherland, however, said he would paint what he saw.

Churchill was not happy with the results. Sutherland’s portrait had Churchill slumped in a chair wearing his trademark scowl—true to reality, but hardly flattering. After its official unveiling, Churchill hid the painting in his cellar. It was later secretly destroyed.

Like Churchill, most of us have an image of ourselves we want others to have of us also—whether of success, godliness, beauty, or strength. We can go to great lengths to conceal our “ugly” sides. Perhaps deep down we fear we won’t be loved if the real us is known.

When the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, they were seen at their worst. Because of their sins, God allowed their enemies to conquer them. But He told them not to fear. He knew them by name, and He was with them in every humiliating trial (Isa. 43:1–2). They were secure in His hands (v. 13) and “precious” to Him (v. 4). Despite their ugliness, God loved them.

We will find ourselves less motivated to seek the approval of others when such a truth truly sinks in. God knows the real us and still loves us immeasurably (Eph. 3:18).

God’s deep love means we can be real with others.

Insight 

It’s not easy to accept our own failures. This may be one reason the God of Israel wanted His people to remember Him as the God of Jacob—their deeply flawed national patriarch. The prophet Isaiah called them by the new name the Lord had given their father Jacob. He called them “Israel,” a people He had made and redeemed for Himself, so He could show the whole world what it means to have a God who loves us in spite of our failures.

Verse from Philippians

“我深信那在你们中间开始了美好工作的，到了基督耶稣的日子，必成全这工作。”

‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭

Paul reminds us that our relationship with God isn’t based on our efforts but on God’s will (Philippians 1:6). 

In another of Paul’s letters, he observed how God first draws us to the good news of Jesus. He wrote, “For [God] chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Ephesians 1:4). 

God’s Holy Spirit is at work in us so that we may grow to “know [God] better” (v. 17).

Verse from 2 Kings

“以利沙祷告，说：“耶和华啊！请你打开他的眼睛，使他能看见。”于是耶和华打开了仆人的眼睛，他就看见；看哪！那山上布满了火马火车，围绕着以利沙。”

‭‭列王纪下‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭

“And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭

The verse on the card Lisa received didn’t seem to match her situation: “Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17). I have cancer! she thought in confusion. I’ve just lost a baby! A verse about angel soldiers doesn’t apply.

Then the “angels” began to show up. Cancer survivors gave her their time and a listening ear. Her husband got released early from an overseas military assignment. Friends prayed with her. But the moment she most felt God’s love was when her friend Patty walked in with two boxes of tissues. Placing them on the table, she started crying. Patty knew. She’d endured miscarriages too.

“That meant more than anything,” Lisa says. “The card made sense now. My ‘angel soldiers’ had been there all along.”

When an army besieged Israel, a host of literal angels protected Elisha. But Elisha’s servant couldn’t see them. “What shall we do?” he cried to the prophet (v. 15). Elisha simply prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see” (v. 17).

When we look to God, our crisis will show us what truly matters and that we’re not alone. We learn that God’s comforting presence never leaves us. He shows us His love in infinitely surprising ways.

Verse from Ephesians

“你们作丈夫的，要爱妻子，好象基督爱教会，为教会舍己，”

‭‭以弗所书‬ ‭5:25‬ ‭

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:25‬ ‭

Paul’s comparison of a husband’s love to the love of Christ pivots on how Jesus put our needs before His own.

That principle doesn’t apply to husbands only. After the example of Jesus, each of us can lovingly sacrifice to help remove an intruder of stress, fear, shame, or anxiety so that someone can move more freely in the world.

Verse from John

“我赐给他们永生，他们永不灭亡，谁也不能把他们从我手里夺去。”

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭10:28‬ ‭

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:28‬ ‭

Two millennia earlier, in a life-or-death situation, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, said He would lay down His life to save and never let go of those who believed in Him. He summarized how He would bless His sheep: they would know Him personally, have the gift of eternal life, would never perish, and would be secure in His care. This security didn’t depend on the ability of the frail and feeble sheep, but on the sufficiency of the Shepherd who’ll never let one be snatched “out of [His] hand” (John 10:28–29).

When we were distraught and feeling hopeless, Jesus rescued us; now we can feel safe and secure in our relationship with Him. He loves us, pursues us, finds us, saves us, and promises to never let us go. 

Verse from Colossians

“上帝愿意叫他们知道，这奥秘在外邦人中有何等丰盛的荣耀，就是基督在你们心里成了 有 荣耀的盼望。”

‭‭歌罗西书‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭

What does it mean for Christ to dwell within us? It’s a mystery, said Paul to the Colossian church. It’s one that God “kept hidden for ages and generations” (Colossians 1:26), but which He disclosed to God’s people. To them God revealed “the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (v. 27). Because Christ now dwelled in the Colossians, they experienced the joy of new life. No longer were they enslaved to the old self of sin.

If we’ve asked Jesus to be our Savior, we too live out this mystery of His dwelling in us. Through His Spirit, He can release us from fear, and grow within us the fruit of His Spirit, such as joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).