Verse from Psalms

“神啊！求你鉴察我, 知道我的心思；试验我，知道我的意念。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭139:23‬ ‭

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:23‬ ‭

Intentional weeding is the first step in removing personal sin. Thus, David prayed: “Search me, God, and know my heart. . . . See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24).

What a wise approach, to go after our sin by asking God to show it to us. He above all knows everything about us. “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me,” wrote the psalmist. “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar” (vv. 1-2).

“Such knowledge,” David added, “is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain” (v. 6). Even before a sin takes root, therefore, God can alert us to the danger. He knows our “landscape.” So when a sneaky sinful attitude tries to take root, He’s first to know and point it out

When you ask God to search your heart, what personal wrongs do you discover? How does intentional “weeding” help rid you of a relentless sin?

Verse from Ephesians

“求他按着他荣耀的丰盛，借着他的灵，用大能使你们内在的人刚强起来，”

‭‭以弗所书‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭

“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭

What's the greatest thing we can do to bless those we love in Christ Jesus? What is the most helpful thing we can do when a brother or sister in Christ, or even a whole congregation of God's people is facing a major challenge from the Evil One? What is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children or our parents as they seek to live for Jesus today? 

The apostle Paul just showed us. We can ask God to strengthen His people with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their inner being. Then we can let them know that we have prayed this for them, and that we will continue to pray it until their storm is past.

Verse from Psalms

“我投靠耶和华，你们怎么对我说：“你要像飞鸟逃到你的山上去。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭

“In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭

In Psalm 11, David’s conviction that his refuge was in God compelled him to resist suggestions to flee rather than face his foes (vv. 2-3). Six simple words comprised his statement of faith: “In the Lord I take refuge” (v. 1). That well-rooted conviction would guide his conduct.

David’s words in verses 4-7 amplified God’s greatness. Yes, life can sometimes be like a battlefield, and hostile fire can send us scattering for cover when we’re bombarded with health challenges or financial, relational, and spiritual stresses. So, what should we do? 

Acknowledge that God is the king of the universe (v. 4); take delight in His amazing capacity to judge with precision (vv. 5-6); and rest in His delight in what’s right, fair, and equitable (v. 7). We can run swiftly to God for shelter. 

Verse from Matthew

“对耶稣说：“你听见他们说甚么吗？”耶稣说：“我听见了。‘你从小孩和婴儿的口中，得着了赞美。’这话你们没有念过吗？””

‭‭马太福音‬ ‭21:16‬ ‭

““Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21:16‬ ‭

The first Palm Sunday was a day of highs and lows. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds enthusiastically shouted, “Hosanna! . . . Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). Yet many in the crowd were expecting a Messiah to free them from Rome, not a Savior who would die for their sins that same week.

Later that day, despite the anger of the chief priests who questioned Jesus’ authority, children in the temple expressed their joy by shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (v. 15), perhaps leaping and waving palm branches as they ran around the courtyard. 

They couldn’t help but worship Him, Jesus told the indignant leaders, for “from the lips of children and infants [God has] called forth [His] praise” (v. 16). They were in the presence of the Savior!

Jesus invites us to also see Him for who He is. When we do, like a child overflowing with joy, we can’t help but revel in His presence

Verse from Galatians

“你们因着信，在基督耶稣里都作了神的儿子。”

‭‭加拉太书‬ ‭3:26‬ ‭

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:26‬ ‭

After meeting the Queen of England at a ball in Scotland, Sylvia and her husband received a message that the royal family would like to visit them for tea. Sylvia started cleaning and prepping, nervous about hosting the royal guests. Before they were due to arrive, she went outside to pick some flowers for the table, her heart racing. Then she sensed God reminding her that He’s the King of kings and that He’s with her every day. Immediately she felt peaceful and thought, “After all, it’s only the Queen!”

Sylvia is right. As the apostle Paul noted, God is the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15) and those who follow Him are “children of God” (Galatians 3:26). When we belong to Christ, we’re heirs of Abraham (v. 29). We no longer are bound by division—such as that of race, social class, or gender—for we’re “all one in Christ Jesus” (v. 28). We’re children of the King.

How could holding onto this truth shape the way we live today?

Verse from Psalms

“行为完全，遵行耶和华律法的，都是有福的。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭119:1‬ ‭

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:1‬ ‭

As Christians, we hear this passage a little differently than those who lived under the Torah, the Law of Moses. We recognize that our blamelessness comes as a gift because of Jesus' sacrificial death on the Cross (Romans 5:6-11; Colossians 1:19-22). We know we are not justified by keeping the Law (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16, 3:11, 24, 5:4). 

Instead, we are doing our absolute best to walk in the way of the Lord out of thanks for God's glorious grace and by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8! :1-4). Doing the will of God brings us many blessings. Those blessings are not just for us in the future, but they begin right now as we live in Christ Jesus.

Verse from John

“我是好牧人，我认识我的羊，我的羊也认识我，”

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭10:14‬ ‭

““I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—”

‭‭John‬ ‭10:14‬ ‭

In the New Testament, Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd, stating that His people, the sheep, will follow Him because they know His voice (John 10:4). But those same sheep will run from a stranger or thief (v. 5). Like sheep, we (God’s children) get to know the voice of our Shepherd through our relationship with Him. And as we do, we see His character and learn to trust Him.

As we grow to know and love God, we’ll be discerning of His voice and better able to run from the “the thief [who] comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (v. 10)—from those who try to deceive and draw us away from Him. Unlike those false teachers, we can trust the voice of our Shepherd to lead us to safety

Verse from 1 Corinthians

“我们是神的同工，你们是神的田地，神的房屋。”

‭‭哥林多前书‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭

God uses us to reach the world with the message of His love. Because someone shared the message with us, we can turn to another person and pass it on. 

Paul compared this—the building of God’s kingdom—to growing a garden. Some of us plant seeds while some of us water the seeds. We are, as Paul said, “co-workers in God’s service” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Each job is important, yet all are done in the power of God’s Spirit.

Verse from Ecclesiastes

“人的一切劳碌和操心，就是他在日光之下所劳碌的，对自己有甚么益处呢？”

‭‭传道书‬ ‭2:22‬ ‭

“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2:22‬ ‭

If you want to live longer, take a vacation! Forty years after a study of middle-aged, male executives who each had a risk of heart disease, researchers in Helsinki, Finland, followed up with their study participants. The scientists discovered something they hadn’t been looking for in their original findings: the death rate was lower among those who had taken time off for vacations.

Work is a necessary part of life—a part God appointed to us even before our relationship with Him was fractured in Genesis 3. Solomon wrote of the seeming meaninglessness of work experienced by those not working for God’s honor—recognizing its “anxious striving” and “grief and pain” (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23). Even when they’re not actively working, he says their “minds do not rest” because they’re thinking about what still needs to be done (v. 23).

We too might at times feel like we’re “chasing after the wind” (v. 17) and grow frustrated by our inability to “finish” our work. But when we remember that God is part of our labor—our purpose—we can both work hard and take time to rest. 

We can trust Him to be our Provider, for He’s the giver of all things. Solomon acknowledges that “without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (v. 25). Perhaps by reminding ourselves of that truth, we can work diligently for Him (Colossians 3:23) and also allow ourselves times of rest

Verse from Psalms

“你的话语在我的上膛多么甜美，在我的口中比蜂蜜更甜。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭119:103‬ ‭

“How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:103‬ ‭

On Chicago Day in October 1893, the city’s theaters shut down because the owners figured everyone would be attending the World’s Fair. Over seven hundred thousand people went, but Dwight Moody (1837-1899) wanted to fill a music hall at the other end of Chicago with preaching and teaching. 

His friend R. A. Torrey (1856-1928) was skeptical that Moody could draw a crowd on the same day as the fair. But by God’s grace, he did. As Torrey later concluded, the crowds came because Moody knew “the one Book that this old world most longs to know—the Bible.” Torrey longed for others to love the Bible as Moody did, reading it regularly with dedication and passion.

God through His Spirit brought people back to Himself at the end of the nineteenth century in Chicago, and He continues to speak today. 

For the psalmist, God’s messages of grace and truth acted as a light for his path, a lamp for his feet (v. 105).

How can you grow more in love with the Savior and His message? As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, God will increase our devotion to Him and guide us, shining His light along the paths we walk

Verse from Proverbs

“惧怕人的，必陷入网罗；倚靠耶和华的，必得安全。”

‭‭箴言‬ ‭29:25‬ ‭

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭29:25‬ ‭

Jesus told us not to fear other human opponents (Luke 12:4-5). When we try to please others, when we fear what others may say or do to us, we place ourselves in a position of great vulnerability. 

Our lives no longer remain our own. We become captive to what others think, want, or threaten. We are only to trust the Lord and reverence Him. 

Actively placing our faith in the Lord crowds fear out of our hearts. As we deliberately put our faith in the Lord, God becomes our security, both now and forevermore.

Verse from Proverbs

“听从有关生命之责备的，必住在智慧人中间。”

‭‭箴言‬ ‭15:31‬ ‭

“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:31‬ ‭

When Jesus corrected people, He did so in love. In some circumstances—such as when He was confronted with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Matthew 23)—He rebuked them harshly, yet still for their benefit. But in the case of his friend Martha, a gentle correction was all that was needed (Luke 10:38-42). While the Pharisees responded poorly to His rebuke, Martha remained one of His dearest friends (John 11:5).

Correction can be uncomfortable and few of us like it. Sometimes, because of our pride, it’s hard to receive it graciously. The book of Proverbs talks much about wisdom and indicates that “heeding correction” is a sign of wisdom and understanding (15:31-32).

God’s loving correction helps us to adjust our direction and to follow Him more closely. Those who refuse it are sternly warned (v. 10), but those who respond to it through the power of the Holy Spirit will gain wisdom and understanding (vv. 31-32)

Verse from Romans

“弟兄们，我靠着我们的主耶稣基督，凭着圣灵的慈爱，劝你们和我一同竭力为我向神祈祷，”

‭‭罗马书‬ ‭15:30‬ ‭

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:30‬ ‭

The apostle Paul affirmed the importance and spirit-refreshing power of praying for others. Through his passionate request for prayerful support and encouragement during his travels, Paul demonstrated how those who pray for others become partners in ministry (Romans 15:30). Offering specific requests, the apostle not only showed his dependence on the support of fellow believers but his trust that God powerfully answers prayer (vv. 31-33).

We’ll all experience days when we feel alone. But Paul shows us how to ask for prayer as we pray for others. When we’re wrapped in the intercessory prayers of God’s people, we can experience God’s strength and comfort no matter where life takes us

Verse from Ephesians

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

‭‭以弗所书‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭

Each of us is “God’s handiwork” in Jesus, uniquely equipped to contribute to His kingdom. No matter how God has gifted you, you have much to offer. As you embrace with confidence who He’s made you to be, you’ll be a living witness to the hope and joy of life in Him.

So as you face whatever feels most menacing in your own life, take courage. You may feel small, but through the gifting and empowerment of the Spirit, God can use you to do mighty things

Verse from Colossians

“神愿意使他们知道这奥秘在外族人中有多么荣耀的丰盛，这奥秘就是基督在你们里面成了荣耀的盼望。”

‭‭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 ‭

Scripture assures us of the amazing reality that all who trust in Him not only receive the promise of eternal life with God but also Jesus’ presence living in them through His Spirit—our hearts become Jesus’ home (Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:17).

Jesus’ presence in our hearts fills us with countless reasons for gratitude (Colossians 2:6-7). He brings the ability to live with purpose and energy (1:28-29). He cultivates joy in our hearts in the midst of all circumstances, in both times of celebration and times of struggle (Philippians 4:12-13). Christ’s Spirit provides hope to our hearts that God is working all things together for good, even when we can’t see it (Romans 8:28). And the Spirit gives a peace that persists regardless of the chaos swirling around us (Colossians 3:15).

With the confidence that comes from Jesus living in our hearts, we can allow His presence to shine through so that others can’t help but notice

Verse from Psalms

“我的肉身和我的内心虽然渐渐衰弱，神却永远是我心里的盘石，是我的业分。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭73:26‬ ‭

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭73:26‬ ‭

The psalmist Asaph, a worship leader of Israel, acknowledged in Psalm 73 that true strength comes from somewhere—Someone—else (v. 26). Asaph was right. 

The living God is our ultimate and eternal strength. As the Maker of heaven and earth, He knows no such limitations to His perfect power.

In our times of difficulty and challenge, may we discover what Asaph learned through his own struggles: God is the true strength of our hearts. We can rest in that strength every day

Verse from 1 Peter

“然而你们是蒙拣选的族类，是君尊的祭司，是圣洁的国民，是属神的子民，为要叫你们宣扬那召你们出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。”

‭‭彼得前书‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭

Decades ago, Dr. Jerry Motto discovered the power of a “caring letter.” His research found that simply sending a letter expressing care to discharged patients who had previously attempted suicide reduced the rate of recurrence by half. Recently, health care providers have rediscovered this power when sending “caring” texts, postcards, and even social media memes as follow-up treatment for the severely depressed.

Twenty-one “books” in the Bible are actually letters—epistles—caringly written to first-century believers who struggled for a variety of reasons. Paul, James, and John wrote letters to explain the basics of faith and worship, and how to resolve conflict and build unity.

The apostle Peter, however, specifically wrote to believers who were being persecuted by the Roman emperor, Nero. Peter reminded them of their intrinsic value to God in 1 Peter 2:9. This lifted their gaze to God’s great purpose for them in their world.

Our great God Himself wrote a book filled with caring letters to us—inspired Scripture—that we might always have a record of the value He assigns us as His own. May we read His letters daily and share them with others who need the hope Jesus offers

Verse from Mark

 “然后对他们说：“为甚么这样胆怯呢？你们怎么没有信心呢？””

‭‭马可福音‬ ‭4:40‬ ‭

“He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:40‬ ‭

Jesus’ disciples experienced the profound power of fear. Once, as they headed across the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35), “a furious squall came up” (v. 37). Terror gripped them, and they suggested that Jesus (who’d been sleeping!) might not care about them: “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (v. 38).

Fear distorted the disciples’ vision, blinding them to Jesus’ good intentions for them. After He rebuked the wind and waves (v. 39), Christ confronted the disciples with two penetrating questions: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v. 40).

Storms rage in our lives as well, don’t they? But Jesus’ questions can help us put our fears in perspective. His first question invites us to name our fears. The second invites us to entrust those distorted feelings to Him—asking Him for eyes to see how He guides us even through life’s most raging storms

Verse from Genesis

“神看他所造的一切都很好。有晚上，有早晨；这是第六日。”

‭‭创世记‬ ‭1:31‬ ‭

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:31‬ ‭

We see in Genesis 1 that “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God He created them” (v. 27). God walked with them in the garden, and then warned about giving in to the temptation to be their own god (ch. 3). 

Later in His book, God told about how, in love, His Son, Jesus, came to walk with us again and brought about a plan for our forgiveness and the restoration of His creation.

As we look at the Bible, we learn that our Creator wants us to know Him, talk with Him, and even ask Him our questions. He cares for us more than we can imagine

Verse from Ezekiel

“主耶和华对这些骸骨这样说：看哪！我必使气息进入你们里面，你们就活过来了。”

‭‭以西结书‬ ‭37:5‬ ‭

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭37:5‬ ‭

When Tee Unn came down with a rare autoimmune disease that weakened all his muscles and nearly killed him, he realized that being able to breathe was a gift. For more than a week, a machine had to pump air into his lungs every few seconds, which was a painful part of his treatment.

Tee Unn made a miraculous recovery, and today he reminds himself not to complain about life’s challenges. “I’ll just take a deep breath,” he says, “and thank God I can.”

How easy it is to focus on things we need or want, and forget that sometimes the smallest things in life can be the greatest miracles. 

In Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 37:1-14), God showed the prophet that only He could give life to dry bones. Even after tendons, flesh, and skin had appeared, “there was no breath in them” (v. 8). It was only when God gave them breath that they could live again (v. 10). This vision illustrated God’s promise to restore Israel from devastation.

How about thanking God for the simplest blessings in life today? Amid the daily struggle, let’s stop occasionally to take a deep breath, and “let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6)

Verses from Psalms

“不要因作恶的人心怀不平，不要因犯罪的人产生嫉妒。因为他们好象草快要枯干，像即将凋萎的青草。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭37:1-2‬ ‭

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:1-2‬ ‭

Frustration and envy... hmmm, isn't that our reaction to those who are evil and yet seem to prosper? 

We're reminded to not let the apparent and short-lived successes of evil people derail our faith or dampen our spirits.

Their victories are temporary, their wealth is like a flower that will wilt, and their life is like the grass which withers and is soon gone.

Verse from Philippians

“你们在我身上所学习、所领受、所听见、所看见的，这些事你们都应当实行；那么，赐平安的神就必与你们同在。”

‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭

Paul wrote about practice to his friends in Philippi (Philippians 4:9). He mentions five things: reconciliation—as he urged Euodia and Syntyche to do (vv. 2-3); joy—as he reminded his readers to cultivate (v. 4); gentleness—as he urged them to employ in their relation to the world (v. 5); prayer—as he had modeled for them in person and in writing (vv. 6-7); and focus—as he had shown even in prison (v. 8). 

Reconciliation, joy, gentleness, prayer, and focus—things we’re called to live out as believers in Jesus. Like any habit, these virtues must be practiced in order to be cultivated.

But the good news of the gospel, as Paul had already told the Philippians, is that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (2:13). We’re never practicing in our own power. God will provide what we need (4:19)

Verses from Job

“谁能明白云彩的展开，和神行宫的雷声呢？他在自己的周围展开电光，又用水遮盖海底；”

‭‭约伯记‬ ‭36:29-30‬ ‭

“Who can understand how He spreads out the clouds, how He thunders from His pavilion? See how He scatters His lightning about Him, bathing the depths of the sea.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭36:29-30‬ ‭

Elihu, the one friend of Job who may have had a helpful view of God, noted how creation commands our attention. “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways,” he said (Job 37:5). “He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ ” 

Such splendor can interrupt our lives, demanding a sacred pause. “So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor,” Elihu observed (vv. 6-7).

Nature sometimes seizes our attention in ways we don’t like. Regardless of what happens to us or what we observe around us, each moment—magnificent, menacing, or mundane—can inspire our worship. The poet’s heart within us craves the holy hush

Verse from Isaiah

“因为我，耶和华你们的神，紧握着你的右手， 对你说：“不要惧怕，我必帮助你。””

‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭41:13‬ ‭

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:13‬ ‭

Life crashes in and we wish we could be children again. Then, maybe, we would have someone to take care of us and protect us from our uncertainties and fears. Into our confused and chaotic world, God's faithfulness comes to us once again in the form of a promise. 

Like a loving parent with a frightened child, God reaches down and takes hold of our hand. He comforts us with His precious words, "Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. I will help." Even when the Lord may seem distant, the echo of this promise can remind us that we are never alone or forgotten (Hebrews 13:5-6; Romans 8:32-39).

Verse from Daniel

“于是我转向主神，禁食，披麻蒙灰，藉祈祷和恳求寻求他。”

‭‭但以理书‬ ‭9:3‬ ‭

“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭9:3‬ ‭

Bible teacher Oswald Chambers emphasized the importance of praying for someone else. He said that “intercession is putting yourself in God’s place; it is having His mind and perspective.” It’s praying for others in light of what we know about God and His love for us.

We find a great example of intercessory prayer in Daniel 9. The prophet understood God’s troubling promise that the Jews would have seventy years of captivity in Babylon (Jeremiah 25:11-12). 

Realizing that those years were nearing their completion, Daniel went into prayer mode. He referenced God’s commands (Daniel 9:4-6), humbled himself (v. 8), honored His character (v. 9), confessed sin (v. 15), and depended on His mercy as he prayed for His people (v. 18). And he got an immediate answer from God (v. 21).

Not all prayer ends with such a dramatic response, but be encouraged that we can go to God on behalf of others with an attitude of trust and dependence on Him

Verse from 1 Thessalonians

“又要立志过安静的生活，办自己的事，亲手作工，正如我们从前吩咐过你们，”

‭‭帖撒罗尼迦前书‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭

“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4:11‬ ‭

Sometimes it’s best not to poke around in other people’s business. That’s especially true in relationships with fellow believers in Jesus. 

We’re to pray for others and seek by God’s grace to share the Scriptures, and occasionally we may be called to offer a gentle word of correction. 

But learning to live a quiet life and not meddling into others’ lives is important. It becomes an example to those who are now outside God’s family (v. 12). Our calling is to “love each other” (v. 9).

Verse from Ecclesiastes

“在亨通的日子，应当享福；遭遇患难的时候，就当省察。神使这两样并存，为了叫人查不出未来的事。”

‭‭传道书‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭

According to Chinese legend, when Sai Weng lost one of his prized horses, his neighbor expressed sorrow for his loss. But Sai Weng was unconcerned. He said, “Who knows if it may be a good thing for me?” Surprisingly, the lost horse returned home with another horse. 

As the neighbor congratulated him, Sai Weng said, “Who knows if it may be a bad thing for me?” As it turned out, his son broke his leg when he rode on the new horse. This seemed like a misfortune, until the army arrived at the village to recruit all able-bodied men to fight in the war. Because of the son’s injury, he wasn’t recruited, which ultimately could have spared him from death.

This is the story behind the Chinese proverb which teaches that a difficulty can be a blessing in disguise and vice versa. This ancient wisdom has a close parallel in Ecclesiastes 6:12, where the author observes: “Who knows what is good for a person in life?” Indeed, none of us know what the future holds. An adversity might have positive benefits, and prosperity might have ill effects.

Each day offers new opportunities, joys, struggles, and suffering. As God’s beloved children, we can rest in His sovereignty and trust Him through the good and bad times alike. God has “made the one as well as the other” (7:14). He’s with us in all the events in our lives and promises His loving care

Verse from John

“耶稣说：“腓力，我跟你们在一起这么久了，你还不认识我吗？那看见了我的就是看见了父，你怎么还说‘把父显示给我们’呢？”

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭14:9‬ ‭

“Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:9‬ ‭

According to legend, British conductor Sir Thomas Beecham once saw a distinguished-looking woman in a hotel foyer. Believing he knew her but unable to remember her name, he paused to talk with her. As the two chatted, he vaguely recollected that she had a brother. Hoping for a clue, he asked how her brother was doing and whether he was still working at the same job. “Oh, he’s very well,” she said, “And still king.”

A case of mistaken identity can be embarrassing, as it was for Sir Beecham. But at other times it may be more serious, as it was for Jesus’ disciple Philip. The disciple knew Christ, of course, but he hadn’t fully appreciated who He was. 

He wanted Jesus to “show [them] the Father,” and Jesus responded, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:8-9). As God’s unique Son, Christ reveals the Father so perfectly that to know one is to know the other (vv. 10-11).

If we ever wonder what God is like in His character, personality, or concern for others, we only need to look to Jesus to find out. Christ’s character, kindness, love, and mercy reveal God’s character. 

And although our amazing, awesome God is beyond our complete comprehension and understanding, we have a tremendous gift in what He’s revealed of Himself in Jesus.

Dear God, 

help me to grow in my knowledge and appreciation of who You are

Verse from Deuteronomy

“耶和华亲自在你前头行，与你同在；他决不撇下你，也不离弃你；你不要害怕，也不要惊慌。””

‭‭申命记‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭

“And the Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭

Sometimes difficult things happen that we may not understand, but we can also reflect on the number of times God has preserved us without our ever being aware!

Scripture reminds us that His perfect, providential care remains over His people every day. He’s always with us (Matthew 28:20)

Verse from Psalms

“住在至高者的隐密处的，必在全能者的荫庇下安居。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭

He’s our refuge, no matter how many troubles or uncertainties surround us. The path ahead may seem long, scary, or overwhelming, but His love envelops us. He hears us, answers us, and stays with us . . . now and forever into eternity (Psalm 91).

We can embrace the quiet and lean into God’s unfailing love and constant presence. We can be still and rest in Him because we’re safe under the shelter of His unchanging faithfulness (v. 4)

Verse from Joshua

“这律法书不可离开你的口，要昼夜默诵，好使你谨守遵行书中所记的一切；这样，你的道路就必顺利，你必一路亨通。”

‭‭约书亚记‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭

“Time went by. War came in.” That’s how Bishop Semi Nigo of the Keliko people of South Sudan described delays in his church’s long struggle to get the Bible in their own language. Not one word, in fact, had ever been printed in the Keliko language. 

Decades earlier, Bishop Nigo’s grandfather had courageously started a Bible translation project, but war and unrest kept halting the effort. Yet, despite repeated attacks on their refugee camps in northern Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the bishop and fellow believers kept the project alive.

Their persistence paid off. After nearly three decades, the New Testament Bible in Keliko was delivered to the refugees in a rousing celebration. “The motivation of the Keliko is beyond words,” said one project consultant.

The commitment of the Keliko reflects the perseverance God asked of Joshua (Joshua 1:8). 

With equal persistence, the Keliko pursued the translation of Scripture. Now, “when you see them in the camps, they are smiling,” said one translator. Hearing and understanding the Bible “gives them hope.” 

Like the Keliko people, may we never give up seeking the power and wisdom of Scripture