Verse from Hebrews

“只有长大成人的，才能吃干粮，他们的官能因为操练纯熟，就能分辨是非了。”

‭‭希伯来书‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭

Before right living can be expected from people, Hebrews says, basic teaching about Jesus, repentance, and baptism must be grasped (Hebrews 5:13–6:2). While maturity should follow (5:14), let’s not miss the order. Milk comes before meat. People can’t obey teaching they don’t understand.

When sharing the gospel with others, we meet people where they are.

In simple terms, how would you explain the gospel? 

Verse from Exodus

“使他们随时可以审判人民的案件；所有大事件，他们要带到你这里来；所有小事件，他们可以自己审判。这样，你就轻省些，他们也可以和你一同分担此事。”

‭‭出埃及记‬ ‭18:22‬ ‭‬ ‭

“Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭18:22‬ ‭ ‬ ‭

Joe worked more than twelve hours a day, often without taking breaks. Starting a charitable business demanded so much time and energy that he had little left to offer his wife and children when he got home. After the toll of chronic stress landed Joe in the hospital, a friend offered to organize a team to help him. 

Though he dreaded giving up control, Joe knew he couldn’t keep up his current pace. He agreed to trust his friend—and God—as he delegated responsibilities to the group of people they chose together. A year later, Joe admitted that the charity and his family could never have prospered if he’d refused the help God had sent him.

God didn’t design people to thrive without the support of a loving community. In Exodus 18, Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness. He tried serving God’s people as a teacher, a counselor, and a judge all on his own. When his father-in-law visited, he offered Moses advice: “You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out,” said Jethro. “The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:18). He encouraged Moses to share the workload with faithful people. Moses accepted help and the whole community benefited.

When we trust that God works in and through all His people as we work together, we can find true rest.

Verse from Psalms

“我的心哪！你要回复安宁，因为耶和华用厚恩待你。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭116:7‬ ‭

“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭116:7‬ ‭

It’s so easy to lose touch with God’s love for us, a tender and protective love that Psalm 116 describes as “gracious and righteous . . . full of compassion” (v. 5). It’s a love where we can curl up in God’s lap, at home in His delight for us.

Psalm 116:7 suggests that we might need to regularly remind ourselves of God’s good love, and then crawl up into His waiting arms: “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” And indeed, He has.

Verses from Ecclesiastes

“智慧人的心向右，愚昧人的心偏左。愚昧人连走路的时候，也显出无知；他对每一个人表现出他是个愚昧人 。”

‭‭传道书‬ ‭10:2-3‬ ‭

“The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10:2-3‬ ‭

A man walked into a convenience store in Wollongong, Australia, put a $20 bill on the counter and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer? Fifteen dollars.

We all act foolishly at times—even if, unlike this thief, we’re trying to do the right thing. The key is how we learn from our foolish behavior. Without correction, our poor choices can become habits, which will negatively shape our character. We’ll become “fools . . . [who] lack sense” (Ecclesiastes 10:3). 

Sometimes it’s hard to admit our foolishness because of the extra work it requires. Perhaps we need to reflect on a particular character flaw, and that’s painful. Or maybe we need to admit that a decision was made hastily and next time we should take more care. Whatever the reason, it never pays to ignore our foolish ways.

Thankfully, God can use our foolishness to discipline and shape us. Discipline isn’t “pleasant at the time,” but its training yields good fruit in the long run (Hebrews 12:11). Let’s accept our Father’s discipline for our foolish behavior and ask Him to make us more like the sons and daughters He intends us to be.

Verse from Psalms

“我要向群山举目，我的帮助从哪里来呢？我的帮助是从 造天地的耶和华而来。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121:1-2‬ ‭

Since God could speak into existence the universe, and since God knows our names and the number of the hairs on our head... surely we know that we can go to Him for our help. 

Let's lift up our eyes and our hearts to El Shaddai, Lord God of the Mountains and know the Almighty sees our needs, hears our requests, and cares about our hearts.

Verse from Genesis

“耶和华神说：“谁告诉你，你是赤身露体呢？难道你吃了我吩咐你不可吃的那树上的果子吗？””

‭‭创世记‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭

“And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭

In Genesis 3:1–11, we see how Satan misquoted God’s words. Adam and Eve were restricted from only one tree—“the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (2:16–17)—not every tree (3:1). “You will not certainly die” (v. 4) was a deliberate lie (2:17). Eve also added to God’s instruction and said, “You must not touch it” (3:3). 

Paul says Eve was deceived by Satan’s cunning ways (2 Corinthians 11:3). We’re to be alert (1 Peter 5:8) so that “Satan might not outwit us” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Verse from Daniel

“但以理说：“愿神的名得称颂，从永远直到永远，因为智慧和能力都是属他的。”

‭‭但以理书‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭

“Daniel said, “May the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him.”

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭

When Daniel and three Hebrew friends were taken into captivity by Babylon’s king Nebuchadnezzar, he didn’t throw tantrums or blame. Although they were given pagan names and ordered to take three years of “training” in the enemy’s palace, Daniel didn’t rage. 

Instead, he asked permission not to defile himself in God’s sight by eating the king’s rich food and wine. As this intriguing Bible story shows, after consuming nothing but vegetables and water for ten days (Daniel 1:12), Daniel and his friends “looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food” (v. 15).

Another time, Nebuchadnezzar threatened to kill Daniel and all palace wise men if they couldn’t repeat the king’s disturbing dream and interpret it. 

Again, Daniel didn’t panic, but sought mercy “from the God of heaven,” and the mystery was revealed to him in a vision (2:19). As Daniel declared of God, “wisdom and power are his” (v. 20). 

Throughout his captivity, Daniel sought God’s best despite the conflicts he faced. In our own troubles, may we follow that example, making the situation better by taking it to God.

Verse from Psalms

“凡是以感谢为祭献上的，就是尊敬我；那预备道路的，我必使他得见神的救恩。””

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭50:23‬ ‭

“"He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God."”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭50:23‬ ‭

Has it ever seemed surprising to you that God made the Israelites wander in the wilderness for 40 years just for grumbling and complaining? That's some severe discipline! 

One thing is crystal clear from this biblical account: God is obviously not pleased with grumbling, ungrateful hearts. And we should not tolerate grumbling either.

Being grateful is a choice that we readily and ritually express on Thanksgiving Day. But what do we do on other days of the year when the mood is less festive or the atmosphere is more ordinary? 

Pilgrims has a contented way of approaching life. They did not allow their feelings or circumstances to determine whether or not they would exercise gratitude and thanksgiving. They believed that God was in control—"providence," they called it. Following this belief to its logical conclusion, they responded to challenges with a perspective that said, "God has allowed this for our good." They chose to believe—rightly so—that their dependence on a holy, faithful God was well placed and that even though much was against them, there was always much more for which to be grateful. 

Developing a heart of gratitude is essential to growing a stronger faith. As John Piper stated in his book A Godward Life, "If we do not believe that we are deeply dependent on God for all we have or hope to have, the very spring of gratitude and faith runs dry." 

Make the choice today to take your eyes off yourself and your circumstances, gratefully acknowledging who God is and what He is doing. Deny yourself the right to complain, embracing instead the deep-seated joy of thanksgiving ... in all things. 

A grateful heart pleases God.

Verse from 2 Corinthians

“我们在一切患难中，神都安慰我们，使我们能用他所赐的安慰，去安慰那些在各样患难中的人。”

‭‭哥林多后书‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭

“who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭

Radamenes was just a kitten when his owner dropped him off at an animal shelter, thinking he was too ill to recover. The kitten was nursed back to health and adopted by the vet. He then became a fulltime resident at the shelter and now spends his days “comforting” cats and dogs—just out of surgery or recovering from an illness—through his warm presence and gentle purr.

That story is a small picture of what our loving God does for us—and what we can do for others in return. He cares for us in our sickness and struggles, and He soothes us with His presence. The apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians calls our God, “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (1:3). When we are discouraged, depressed, or mistreated, He’s there for us. When we turn to Him in prayer, He “comforts us in all our troubles” (v. 4).

But verse 4 doesn’t end there. Paul, who had experienced intense suffering, continues, “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Our Father comforts us, and when we’ve experienced His comfort, we’re enabled to comfort others.

Our compassionate Savior, who suffered for us, is more than able to comfort us in our suffering and distress (v. 5). He helps us through our pain and equips us to do the same for others. 

Verse from Proverbs

“柔和的回答使烈怒消退，暴戾的话激动怒气。”

‭‭箴言‬ ‭15:1‬ ‭

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15:1‬ ‭

Lucy Worsley is a British historian and TV presenter. Like most people in the public eye, she sometimes receives nasty mail—in her case, over a mild speech impediment that makes her r’s sound like w’s. One person wrote this: “Lucy, I’ll be blunt: Please try harder to correct your lazy speech or remove r’s from your scripts—I couldn’t sit through your TV series because it made me so annoyed. Regards, Darren.”

For some people, an insensitive comment like this might trigger an equally rude reply. But here’s how Lucy responded: “Oh Darren, I think you’ve used the anonymity of the internet to say something you probably wouldn’t say to my face. Please reconsider your unkind words! Lucy.”

Lucy’s measured response worked. Darren apologized and vowed not to send anyone such an email again.

While the hot-tempered person stirs things up, the patient person calms them down (v. 18). When we get a critical comment from a colleague, a snide remark from a family member, or a nasty reply from a stranger, we have a choice: to speak angry words that fuel the flames or gentle words that douse them.

May God help us to speak words that turn away wrath—and perhaps even help difficult people to change.

Verse from John

“我要请求父，他就会赐给你们另一位保惠师，使他跟你们永远在一起。”

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭14:16‬ ‭

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:16‬ ‭

After His resurrection He gave His friends this promise: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus was soon to ascend to heaven, but He would send the Spirit to “stay” and live within His people.

We experience the Spirit’s comfort and peace when our tears flow. We receive His guidance when we’re wondering what to do (John 14:26). He opens our eyes to understand more of God (Ephesians 1:17–20), and He helps us in our weakness and prays for us (Romans 8:26–27).

He stays with us forever.

Verse from Luke

“你们只管求他的国，这些东西都必加给你们。”

‭‭路加福音‬ ‭12:31‬ ‭

“But seek His kingdom, and these things will be provided to you.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:31‬

In 2020, an outbreak of the coronavirus left the world in fear. People were quarantined, countries were put under lockdown, flights and large events were canceled. Those living in areas with no known cases still feared they might get the virus. Graham Davey, an expert in anxiety, believes that negative news broadcasts are “likely to make you sadder and more anxious.” A meme that circulated on social media showed a man watching the news on TV, and he asked how to stop worrying. In response, another person in the room reached over and flipped off the TV, suggesting that the answer might be a shift in focus!

Luke 12 gives us some advice to help us stop worrying: “Seek his kingdom” (v. 31). We seek God’s kingdom when we focus on the promise that His followers have an inheritance in heaven. When we face difficulty, we can shift our focus and remember that God sees us and knows our needs (vv. 24–30).

Jesus encourages His disciples: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (v. 32). God enjoys blessing us! Let’s worship Him, knowing He cares for us more than the birds of the air and the flowers of the field (vv. 22–29). Even in difficult times, we can read the Scriptures, pray for God’s peace, and trust in our good and faithful God.

Verse from Ruth

“妇女对拿俄米说：“耶和华是应当称颂的，因为他今天没有断绝你有买赎权的近亲，愿他在以色列中扬名。”

‭‭路得记‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭

“The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!”

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭

When James was just six years old, his older brother David died tragically in an ice-skating accident. It was the day before David’s fourteenth birthday. In the years that followed, James tried his best to console his mother, Margaret, who in her deep grief sometimes reminded herself that her elder son would never have to face the challenges of growing up. In James Barrie’s fertile imagination, decades later that same idea would burgeon into inspiration for a much-loved children’s story character who never aged: Peter Pan. 

Like a flower pushing its way through pavement, good emerged even from the hard ground of unthinkable heartache.

How comforting is the thought that God, in an infinitely more creative way, is able to bring good out of our most difficult circumstances. A beautiful illustration of this occurs in the Old Testament story of Ruth. Naomi lost her two sons, leaving her without means or support. 

Her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth chose to remain with Naomi to help provide for her and to serve her God (Ruth 1:16). In the end, God’s provision brought them unexpected joy. Ruth remarried and had a child, “and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David” (4:17). He would also be listed among the ancestors of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).

God’s tender mercy reaches beyond our ability to fathom and meets us in surprising places. Keep looking! Perhaps you’ll see it today.

Verse from John

“耶稣又对众人说：“我是世界的光，跟从我的，必定不在黑暗里走，却要得着生命的光。””

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭

Near the foothills of the Himalayas, a visitor noticed a row of houses without windows. His guide explained that some of the villagers feared that demons might sneak into their homes while they slept, so they built impermeable walls. You could tell when a homeowner began to follow Jesus because he put in windows to let in the light.

A similar dynamic may take place in us, though we might not see it quite that way. We live in scary, polarizing times. Satan and his demons instigate angry divisions that split families and friends.

Israel sought refuge in higher walls, but God said their security lay with Him. He reigns from heaven, and His word governs all (Isaiah 55:10–11). If Israel would return to Him, God would “have mercy on them” (v. 7) and restore them as His people to bless the world (Genesis 12:1–3). He would lift them up, ultimately leading them in a triumphal parade. Their celebration “will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever” (Isaiah 55:13).

Sometimes walls are necessary. Walls with windows are best. They show the world that we trust God for the future. Our fears are real. Our God is greater. Windows open us to Jesus—“the light of the world” (John 8:12)—and to others who need Him

Verse from Luke

“你们应当谨慎。如果你弟兄得罪你，就劝戒他；他若懊悔，就饶恕他。”

‭‭路加福音‬ ‭17:3‬ ‭

“So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭17:3‬ ‭

Reflecting on how she forgave Manasseh, the man who killed her husband and some of her children in the Rwandan genocide, Beata said, “My forgiving is based on what Jesus did. He took the punishment for every evil act throughout all time. His cross is the place we find victory—the only place!” Manasseh had written to Beata from prison more than once, begging her—and God—for forgiveness as he detailed the regular nightmares that plagued him. At first she could extend no mercy, saying she hated him for killing her family. But then “Jesus intruded into her thoughts,” and with God’s help, some two years later, she forgave him.

In this, Beata followed Jesus’ instruction to His disciples to forgive those who repent. He said that even if they “sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them” (Luke 17:4). But to forgive can be extremely difficult, as we see by the disciples’ reaction: “Increase our faith!” (v. 5).

Beata’s faith increased as she wrestled in prayer over her inability to forgive. If, like her, we’re struggling to forgive, we can ask God through His Holy Spirit to help us to do so. As our faith increases, He helps us to forgive.

Verses 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。 我靠着那加给我能力的，凡事都能作。”

‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭

“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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭

Life is full of ups and downs. So much of what we hold dear can be touched by death, disaster, and decay. What do we have that is certain? 

To whom can we turn for assurance? Where do we find the power to live victoriously in good times and bad? 

In the Lord who gives us strength!

Verse from Philippians

“这样，神所赐超过人能了解的平安，必在基督耶稣里，保守你们的心思意念。”

‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

What guards your heart? What protects your mind? Did you know that the peace of God can stand guard over our hearts and minds? That's the apostle Paul's promise to us in this passage.

If we will present our requests to God, with thanksgiving, then God's peace that is greater than any explanation and that transcends our ability to comprehend it, will stand sentry over our hearts and minds. 

You want an example of how this is true? Look at the book of Job. All that befalls him. All that wounds him. Yet still he doesn't become hard of heart or go insane. What is the key to his survival? His ongoing conversation with the Lord. He will not relinquish that relationship no matter how badly he hurts, how much he is confused, nor how badly he is ridiculed.

Verse from Timothy

“我记得你心里无伪的信心，这信心原先是在你外祖母罗以和你母亲友尼基心里的，我深信也在你的心里。”

‭‭提摩太后书‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

In his second letter to his spiritual son Timothy, Paul calls out his sincere faith—and then credits its lineage both to Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). These women lived out their faith in such a way that Timothy also came to believe in Jesus. 

Surely, Lois and Eunice loved Timothy and provided for his needs. But clearly, they did more. Paul points to the faith living in them as the source of the faith later living in Timothy.

Let’s be wooed by the example of moms and grandmas like Eunice and Lois to let our faith become the testimony in life so others will want what we have

Verse from Matthew

“王要回答他们：‘我实在告诉你们，你们所作的，只要是作在我一个最小的弟兄身上，就是作在我的身上了。’”

‭‭马太福音‬ ‭25:40‬ ‭

““The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:40‬ ‭

“The least of these.” It’s a phrase people use in a variety of ways, yet Jesus used it to describe those who, according to the world’s standards, have little or nothing to offer us in return for our service. They are the men and women and children the world often overlooks—if not forgets completely. 

Yet it’s exactly those people Jesus elevates to such a beautiful status by saying, “Whatever you did [for them], you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). You don’t have to have a degree from a prestigious university to understand Christ’s meaning: serving “the least” is the same as serving Him. All it really takes is a willing heart.

Verse from Proverbs

“人心里的谋算很多，唯有耶和华的计划能实现。”

‭‭箴言‬ ‭19:21‬ ‭

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:21‬ ‭

In life, our plans are often flawed. We overlook important considerations. Our plans don’t always account for accidents or surprises. Although planning helps us avoid financial shortfalls, time crunches, and health issues, even the most thorough strategies can’t eliminate all problems from our lives. We live in a post-Eden world.

With God’s help, we can find the balance between prudently considering the future (Proverbs 6:6-8) and responding to difficulties. God often has a purpose for the trouble He allows into our lives. He may use it to develop patience in us, to increase our faith, or simply to bring us closer to Him. 

As we submit our goals and hopes for the future to Jesus, He’ll show us what He wants to accomplish in us and through us

Verse from Habakkuk

“我却要因耶和华欢喜，以救我的神为乐。”

‭‭哈巴谷书‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭

“yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭

When the famous British writer C. S. Lewis first gave his life to Jesus, he initially resisted praising God. In fact, he called it “a stumbling block.” His struggle was “in the suggestion that God Himself demanded it.” Yet Lewis finally realized “it is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence” to His people. Then we, “in perfect love with God,” find joy in Him no more separable “than the brightness a mirror receives” from the “brightness it sheds.”

The prophet Habakkuk arrived at this conclusion centuries earlier. After complaining to God about evils aimed at the people of Judah, Habakkuk came to see that praising Him leads to joy—not in what God does, but in who He is. Thus, even in a national or world crisis, God is still great. 

As the prophet declared:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord” (Habakkuk 3:17-18). “I will be joyful in God my Savior,” he added.

As C. S. Lewis realized, “The whole world rings with praise.” Habakkuk, likewise, surrendered to praising God always, finding rich joy in the One who “marches on forever” (v. 6)

Verse from Psalms

“神啊，求你恩待我！求你恩待我！ 因为我投靠你；我要投靠在你翅膀的荫下，直到灾害过去。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭57:1‬ ‭

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭57:1‬ ‭

In the Old Testament, when David faced harsh criticism from others, he entrusted himself to God. When Saul falsely accused David of leading a rebellion and he was forced to hide from Saul’s approaching army in a cave, David described being “in the midst of lions,” among “men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords” (Psalm 57:4). 

But even in that difficult place, he turned to God and found comfort in Him: “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies” (v. 10).

When others misunderstand or reject us, God is our “refuge” (v. 1). May He be forever praised for His unfailing and merciful love

Verse from Romans

“无论是吃肉，是喝酒，或是甚么使你的弟兄跌倒的事，一律不要作才好。”

‭‭罗马书‬ ‭14:21‬ ‭

“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:21‬ ‭

Most young Samoan boys receive a tattoo signaling their responsibility to their people and their chief. Naturally, then, the marks cover the arms of the Samoan men’s rugby team members. 

Traveling to Japan where tattoos can carry negative connotations, the teammates realized their symbols presented a problem for their hosts. In a generous act of friendship, the Samoans wore skin-colored sleeves covering the designs. “We’re respectful and mindful to . . . the Japanese way,” the team captain explained. “We’ll be making sure that what we’re showing will be okay.”

In an age emphasizing individual expression, it’s remarkable to encounter self-limitation—a concept Paul wrote about in the book of Romans. He told us that love sometimes requires us to lay down our rights for others. Rather than pushing our freedom to the boundaries, sometimes love reins us in. 

The apostle explained how some people in the church believed they were free “to eat anything,” but others ate “only vegetables” (Romans 14:2). While this might seem like a minor issue, in the first century, adherence to Old Testament dietary laws was controversial. Paul instructed everyone to “stop passing judgment on one another” (v. 13), before concluding with particular words for those who ate freely (v. 21).

At times, loving another means limiting our own freedoms. We don’t have to always do everything we’re free to do. Sometimes love reins us in

Verse from 1 Thessalonians

“所以，你们应该彼此劝慰，互相造就，正如你们一向所行的。”

‭‭帖撒罗尼迦前书‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

It can lie. It can gossip. It can slander. It can also murmur and complain. It can manipulate and flatter. It can tear down. It can paint itself in nice words, even while cutting someone to ribbons. 

Rainey’s friend Joe Stowell calls it "the dragon in our dentures." Our tongue. It can truly be deadly.

On the other hand, when that "dragon" is under the power of the Holy Spirit, when we are daily training it to be submitted to Christ's control and available for His use and purposes, He can transform it into an instrument that delivers encouragement.

Rainey remembered being in church one Sunday morning when she spotted a prominent local oncologist walking by. She had been hearing about some special things he'd been doing with his cancer patients—some unique ways he was allowing God to minister through him in the course of practicing his profession. So she caught his attention and said, "Hey, I just wanted you to know I really appreciate what you're doing. Do you realize what an incredible minister for Christ you are? You're making quite a difference in our community."

It was like she had hit him with a stun gun. A dazed expression flashed across his face. And after a moment's pause, he looked at her and said, "Really?"

She said, almost laughing now, "Well, yeah. The things I've been hearing about the work you do are really inspiring. We could use a lot more Christ followers like you." 

He shook her hand and smiled. "You don't know how much I needed to hear that this morning. Thank you."

She was reminded again how often people just need a nod of encouragement in their journey, no matter how confident he or she may appear to be. 

Shared a good word with someone lately?

Verse from Philippians

“我每逢想到你们，就感谢我的神；”

‭‭腓立比书‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭

Writing from prison, Paul can’t help but tell his friends that he thanks God for them every time he remembers them, praying “with joy” (v. 4). But these aren’t just any friends; these are brothers and sisters in Jesus who “share in God’s grace,” partners in the gospel with Paul (v. 7). Their relationship was one of sharing and mutuality—a true fellowship shaped by God’s love and the gospel itself.

Yes, friends are important, but fellow companions in Christ are catalysts of a true and deep joy. The grace of God can bind us together like nothing else. And even through the darkest seasons of life, the joy that comes from that bond will last

Verse from Isaiah

“我必坚立他，像钉子钉在稳固的地方；他必作父家荣耀的宝座。”

‭‭以赛亚书‬ ‭22:23‬ ‭

“I will drive him like a peg into a firm place; he will become a seat of honor for the house of his father.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭22:23‬ ‭

The prophet Isaiah used the imagery of a nail driven firmly into a wall to describe a minor biblical character named Eliakim. Unlike the corrupt official Shebna (Isaiah 22:15-19), as well as the people of Israel—who looked to themselves for strength (vv. 8-11)—Eliakim trusted in God. 

Prophesying Eliakim’s promotion to palace administrator for King Hezekiah, Isaiah wrote that Eliakim would be driven like a “peg into a firm place” (v. 23). Being securely anchored in God’s truth and grace would also allow Eliakim to be a support for his family and his people (vv. 22-24).

Yet Isaiah concluded this prophecy with a sobering reminder that no person can be the ultimate security for friends or family—we all fail (v. 25). The only completely trustworthy anchor for our lives is Jesus (Psalm 62:5-6; Matthew 7:24). As we care for others and share their burdens, may we also point them to Him, the anchor who will never fail

Verse from John

“抹大拉的马利亚就去，向门徒报信说：“我已经看见主了！”她又把主对她所说的话告诉他们。”

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭20:18‬ ‭

“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that He had said these things to her.”

‭‭John‬ ‭20:18‬ ‭

In John 20, we find Mary Magdalene weeping near Jesus’ empty tomb. There she met a man who asked why she was crying. Thinking it was the gardener, she spoke with the risen Savior—Jesus! Her sorrow turned to joy, and she ran to tell the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” (v. 18).

We too have the assurance that Jesus is risen! He’s now in heaven with the Father, but He hasn’t left us on our own. Believers in Christ have His Spirit inside us, and through Him we have the assurance and joy of knowing He’s with us, and we are “His own.

Verse from Psalms

“耶和华万军之神啊！有谁像你？ 耶和华啊！你是大能的，你的信实在你的周围。”

‭‭诗篇‬ ‭89:8‬ ‭

“Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭89:8‬ ‭

The “heavens praise [God’s] wonders” (Psalm 89:5). Our incomparable God rules “over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, [God] stills them” (v. 9). He “founded the world and all that is in it” (v. 11). He made it all, owns it all, manages it all, and purposes it all for His glory and our enjoyment.

Standing on the foundation of our faith—the love of our unchanging Father—we can “walk in the light of [His] presence” (v. 15). God remains mighty in power and merciful in His dealings with us. We can rejoice in His name all day long (v. 16). No matter what obstacles we face or how many setbacks we have to endure, God holds us as the waves rise and fall

Verse from John

“耶稣尝了那酸酒, 说：“成了！”就低下头，断了气。”

‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭19:30‬ ‭

“Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

‭‭John‬ ‭19:30‬ ‭

Michelangelo’s works explored many facets of the life of Jesus, yet one of the most poignant was also one of the most simple. In the 1540s he sketched a pieta (a picture of Jesus’ mother holding the body of the dead Christ) for his friend Vittoria Colonna. 

Done in chalk, the drawing depicts Mary looking to the heavens as she cradles her Son’s still form. Rising behind Mary, the upright beam of the cross carries these words from Dante’s Paradise, “There they don’t think of how much blood it costs.” Michelangelo’s point was profound: when we contemplate the death of Jesus, we must consider the price He paid.

The price paid by Christ is captured in His dying declaration, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The term for “it is finished” (tetelestai) was used in several ways—to show a bill had been paid, a task finished, a sacrifice offered, a masterpiece completed. Each of them applies to what Jesus did on our behalf on the cross.

Perhaps that’s why the apostle Paul wrote, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).

Jesus’ willingness to take our place is the eternal evidence of how much God loves us. As we contemplate the price He paid, may we also celebrate His love—and give thanks for the cross

Verse from Romans

 “圣徒有缺乏的，就要接济；客旅要热诚地款待。”

‭‭罗马书‬ ‭12:13‬ ‭

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:13‬ ‭

In First Peter, the apostle was writing a letter to be circulated among the first-century churches in what’s now the country of Turkey. In that letter, he compelled his readers to do something that his friend Paul wrote about in Romans 12:13: “Practice hospitality.” 

Peter said, “Love each other deeply . . . offer hospitality,” and he told them to use the gifts God gave them to “serve others” (1 Peter 4:8-10). These are clear directions to all believers in Jesus for how we’re to treat fellow believers.